Compliance Checklist for Exporting Goods to the EU: Tariffs, Labels and Certifications

Selling products into the European Union is a large step for any company. HJ INTL understands getting your products shipped means you need to follow a few rules. There are fees on those customs, which you pay through tariffs, the correct labels to stick to your products and certain certificates that mean your goods are safe and legal in the EU. It can help you make the exporting process smooth and successful knowing what these parts of the process are. 

EU Tariffs Explained for Goods Exported What You Need to Know

When you send things to the European Union, you have to think about tariffs. Simply put, tariffs are taxes that you may have to pay on your goods when they enter another country. Each product has its own tariff rate, so that the tax can fluctuate depending on what you’re shipping. One thing that’s very important is the tariff codes before you export. For example, if you export toys, the tariff might be different from that on clothes. Failing to know this information can result in you paying more money than necessary, and possibly not having your products admitted to the country. Businesses are advised by HJ INTL Shipping to look up the EU tariff database. This database catalogue all of the items and the rates they will be charged. This allows you to budget your expenses accordingly. There are sometimes special trade agreements that can lower these tariffs. Studying these agreements can save you money and make exporting cheaper. Additionally, tariffs can change. Tariffs can also be raised or lowered, depending on the political circumstances at any given time or during trade negotiations. Keeping up with the news on trade is important. Plus, if you’re exporting a lot, those tariffs can add up. It can also help you a great deal to know the tariff rates and how much you plan to charge in the market. Think of it like this: if you have one low-tariff product and one high-tariff product, you may be able to pass on these different prices to your customers while still remaining competitive in the EU market and making a profit. 

Labels Every Exporter Must Use

Labels are a passport for your goods. When you export to the EU, having the right labeling is extremely important. Each item needs clear guidance on what it is, how to use it and safety information. They also want to see specific labels for safety and environmental information in Europe. For example, if you mail clothes, the tags should display information about what’s in them and how to wash them. It is good for consumers to have information. HJ INTL has discovered that people in the EU concern a lot about safe and eco-friendly products, so to have labels which can show your item meets some standards would help increase your sales. Another example is food products. They require different labels that lay out ingredients, nutritional information and possible allergens, like nuts or gluten. If you do not supply the correct labels your goods may be refused at customs and returned, with potential for delays and additional charges. Some labels also feature symbols, like the CE mark that indicates a product meets EU safety standards. And it’s easy to stumble trying to get the labels right, especially if you are starting out in exporting. HJ INTL recommends working with a partner who is well educated on EU labeling standards. They can ensure that all of your products conform to EU standards, guiding you away from pitfalls and ensuring your offerings sparkle in a competitive market. Also, proper labeling can make your items more attractive to buyers a win-win for your business. The more transparent and accurate your labels, the higher chance that customers will trust in your product and decide to buy it. 

Wholesale EU Certifications for Products - Buyer’s Guide

If you’re a manufacturer looking to sell a product in the European Union (EU), having the necessary certifications is vital. Certifications are proof that your products adhere to particular safety and quality criteria. For instance, if you sell toys, you must demonstrate that they are safe for children. At HJ INTL international logistics we assist you in demystifying different certifications that are needed for different products. The principal certification is the CE mark. This label certifies that the product complies with EU safety standards. Check for the CE mark on electrical appliances, toys, and in some cases even certain types of furniture. Each category of product has its rules. For instance, food products must adhere to stricter regulations. They should not be poisonous or bad to eat. This is monitored through certifications like HACCP, an acronym that stands for Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points. In addition, some products may require additional certifications for certain regions in the EU where they are marketed for sale. It’s also crucial to know labeling requirements. Labels need to be clear, in the proper languages and sharing everything customers must know about a product. It’s very important to label correctly, because if buyers trust your product. Without proper or missing labeling, your goods may not be permitted entry into the EU. Here at HJ INTL, we stress the importance of researching about laws in the country in which you wish to sell. Different rules may apply in each EU country, so it’s best to do your homework. In general, learning about certifications and labels will ensure your goods – safety included sell well on the EU market. 

Best EU Export Regulations Resources Where to Go for the Best Information on EU Export Regulations

As you consider exporting to the EU, you might ask yourself where you can find the right information. fortunately there are many resources which can assist you with to understanding EU export regulations. To get started, I recommend starting with some websites! Most government websites have clear information about exporting products. For instance, you can check out the official site of the EU where they explain all sort of trade laws and tariffs. This site is packed with resources and is often updated to keep you informed about changes in policies. Business groups also provide excellent resources as well, not just government sites. HJ INTL typically advises becoming a member in trade organizations. These groups can offer advice and tips specific to your industry. They can also host seminars and workshops to teach you more about exporting. Also, chatting with people who have been in exporting for a while can be very useful. They can impart their knowledge and you overcome the hurdles. Some people succeed by working their networks. Attend conference trade shows or events where you can network with EU professionals. This is a great opportunity to network and learn from others. You can also look into online forums and industry communities to ask questions and get answers. It’s worth reaching out to local chambers of commerce; they can provide a great deal of information and sometimes offer export programs to help companies. Remember to keep everything organized. Keep records of the everything you are learning for your reference. It may seem daunting, but with the necessary tools at your disposal you’ll be able to safely traverse EU export laws. 

What Are The General Problems In Eu Compliance That Wholesalers Face? 

Even if you’re aware of certifications and where to source them, as a wholesaler you might still encounter headaches over EU compliance. One common problem is confusion over regulations. At times, wholesalers may believe they know the rules but, as often is the case in laws around these matters, arcane details can make all the difference. For example, you might have a CE mark and yet if your product isn’t tested properly or it doesn’t contain the correct documentation, you could still get in trouble. At HJ INTL shipping services, we feel that it is essential for us to keep abreast of these dynamic laws. A further major problem is that of mis-labelling. As with all the labels in the world, certain clusters need after customers carrying particular information in appropriate languages. If your product doesn’t have the proper label, or if it is unclear, it may be turned away at the border; you could lose time and money. And the lack of specificity over tariffs can be problematic as well. Tariffs are taxes that governments place on products as they cross borders. If you don’t accurately calculate these costs, you risk pricing your product too high or too low. That may subsequently damage your sales or profits. Furthermore, numerous wholesalers overlook the significance of dangerous substances guidelines. Some products might even contain harmful materials that warrant a report. Failure to do so can result in harsh punishment. Finally, language issues can prove difficult as well. If you don’t speak the language of a country who’s buying what you’re selling, as in: “I will go stand outside and hope someone tells me to have a nice day,” it might cause misunderstandings. At HJ INTL were encourage all our clients to ask for help and be pro-active about issues that concern them. Knowing about these issues in advance should allow you and your business to better prepare and ease the process for getting started on the EU market.