Importing into the European Union?

Every consignment entering the EU carries a numeric classification under the Combined Nomenclature, extended to ten digits in TARIC. That number determines the duty rate and which further measures attach to the goods — quotas, anti-dumping duties, prohibitions, documentary requirements.

Where a preferential agreement is in force between the EU and the country of export, the reduced rate applies only only when supported by proof of origin — a EUR.1 certificate issued by a customs authority, or a statement from an exporter registered in the REX system. The origin conditions are set by the agreement itself, not by the document.

Regulation (EU) 2023/956 introduces reporting and, later, financial obligations on imports of listed goods — cement, iron and steel, aluminium, fertilisers, electricity and hydrogen. It requires embedded-emissions data that only the producer can supply.

Regulation (EU) 2023/1115 covers listed commodities — among them timber, cocoa, coffee, palm oil, soy, cattle and rubber — and products made from them. It requires a due diligence statement including the geolocation of the plots where the commodity was grown.

Regulation (EC) 1907/2006 governs the registration, evaluation, authorisation and restriction of chemicals. It reaches not only substances themselves but mixtures and articles containing them — including goods not normally considered chemical products.

CE marking is the manufacturer's declaration that a product meets the EU harmonisation legislation applying to it. It is not a quality mark and not a certificate issued by an authority — whoever affixes it carries the responsibility, and technical documentation goes with it.

Consignments of plants and plant products travel with a phytosanitary certificate issued by the plant protection authority of the exporting country. Food of animal origin is subject to separate veterinary requirements and enters through designated border control posts.

EU sanctions regulations prohibit dealings with listed persons and entities and, for selected goods, their onward export to designated countries. Separately, the dual-use regime under Regulation (EU) 2021/821 makes items usable for both civil and military purposes subject to authorisation.