Navigating EU import regulations and standards
Trade & product compliance
When importing and selling products in the European Union (EU) market, there are several compliance areas, such as customs rules, product standards, labelling laws, and other sector specific regulations, that companies need to adhere to. Non-compliance can result in delays, fines, and potential legal issues, so it is important to carefully consider which rules and regulations are relevant for your company.
External trade policy and many product compliance standards and measures are harmonised in the EU, which means that products compliant with EU-wide standards can be sold in all EU countries. However, there are national variations and differences in implementations of EU directives in different countries, for example with regards to labelling, language requirements, enforcement, and specific product categories.
Customs and trade and customs compliance
When goods are imported into the European Union, they need to be cleared through customs, before they can be brought into ‘free circulation’. This process ensures that goods comply with EU regulations with regards to health, safety, environment and consumer rights, and that the appropriate duties and taxes are paid. Please see the EU Customs section for more detailed information on customs clearance.
Besides, it is also important to be aware of trade restrictions, anti dumping measures and countervailing duties, as certain goods or imports from specific countries may require specific import licenses or might be subject to import restrictions. The EU’s Access2Market website provides detailed information on import duties, product-specific regulations, rules of origin, and restrictions for goods imported into the EU.
Product compliance
Manufacturers and importers must ensure their products are safe, environmentally friendly, and properly labelled before being sold in the EU. Product compliance in the EU is comprehensive and often requires meeting multiple regulations depending on the product type.
The most common certification for compliance with EU safety, health, and environmental standards is the CE marking. CE marking is mandatory for certain product categories such as electronics, medical devices, toys, electrical appliances and construction products, but other products can also be certified.
Certain product categories, such as vehicles, toys, cosmetics, foodstuffs, pharmaceuticals, must comply with additional requirements and phytosanitary testing is required for the import of fresh fruits and vegetables and animal products. For some product categories, including toys, medical devices and cosmetics, foreign companies that do not have a legal presence in the EU, will need to appoint an Authorised Representative. This representative is responsible for regulatory compliance, documentation, and communication with market surveillance authorities on behalf of non-EU manufacturer.
Further, the REACH regulation ensures that chemicals and substances used in products are registered and ensures they are not restricted or banned, while the RoHS Directive, limits the use of certain hazardous materials in electronic products.
Visit Your Europe pages for an overview of EU product compliance requirements.
Environmental and sustainability compliance
The EU sees international trade as an important driver for sustainable development and its trade policy and trade agreements support environmental protection, human rights and responsible business practices. Some regulations in this area, relevant to international companies that plan to sell their products on the EU market, include:
- The WEEE Directive, which mandates the proper disposal and recycling of electrical and electronic equipment
- Under the Eco-design Requirements, products that use energy (boilers, computers, household appliances etc.), must comply with minimum requirements related to energy efficiency to reduce the negative environmental impact throughout the product’s lifecycle.
- Under the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) EU importers of certain types of cement, iron and steel, aluminium, fertilisers and hydrogen are obliged to report their imports and Greenhouse Gas emissions embedded during production.
- The Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) contains rules concerning the social and environmental information that listed and certain large companies have to report. Non-EU companies will also have to report if they generate over € 150 million on the EU market.
Some member states enforce additional rules on carbon footprint, renewable energy, and circular economy initiatives, promoting sustainable production and consumption practices.
Any questions about trade and product compliance?
Feel free to contact us for more detailed information. We can make introductions to specialised member companies that offer legal advice and product compliance and representation services to foreign companies.
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