5 tips for a smooth export from the EU to third countries
Do you want to successfully sell your company’s products overseas, but are held back by the complex customs regulations? Don’t worry! A smooth export is possible. With our five tips, you can navigate your company safely through the customs jungle and avoid unnecessary delays and costs.
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Tip 1: Apply for an EORI number in good time
You can think of the EORI number as an ID card for your company in international trade. It is mandatory for every import and export customs declaration within the EU. Applying for it is straightforward and can be done online. After a successful check, you will usually receive the EORI number within a few days. With this number, you can start the customs process and export your goods without any problems.
Tip 2: Simplify the export process: Become an approved exporter
Do you want to export your company’s goods faster and more easily to countries with which the EU has a free trade agreement? Then you should consider registering as an approved exporter (ZA).
What are the benefits of ZA status?
As an approved exporter, you benefit from numerous advantages:
- More flexibility: You can carry out customs clearance at a location of your choice, for example directly at your company.
- Faster clearance: Export accompanying documents are available in no time, minimising delays.
- Less bureaucracy: You can issue declarations of origin even for goods values above the usual thresholds.
Why is it important?
Simplifying customs clearance saves you time and money. Your company’s goods reach their destination faster and you can focus on your company’s core business.
When is a ZA useful?
ZA status is particularly recommended if you regularly export goods to countries with which the EU has a free trade agreement. By using preferential rules of origin, customs duties can be saved.
What is the difference between this and Registered Exporter (REX)?
While the Authorised Exporter focuses on simplifying customs clearance, the Registered Exporter (REX) is specifically responsible for issuing preference certificates. Depending on the free trade agreement, it may be necessary to apply for both statuses.
How do I become an approved exporter?
To register as an approved exporter, you need to contact the relevant customs authority. The exact requirements may vary depending on the member state. It is best to find out more information directly from the relevant customs office or from an agency responsible for foreign trade.
Tip 3: Check whether there are any export bans or restrictions
Even though the EU is fundamentally committed to free trade, the export of certain goods or products to individual countries may be prohibited or restricted. Therefore, check in good time whether an export ban is in place or an export licence is required. This can be done online in the EU’s TARIC information application or via the EU-Sanctions Map.
If you need an export licence, you must apply for it online at the Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control. Processing can take 6–8 months, so plan enough time.
Finally, make sure that there are no import bans or restrictions in the destination country.
Tip 4: The export declaration
If the value of the goods exceeds €1000, you must submit an export declaration to the relevant customs office. This document contains details of the goods to be exported and the contractual partners involved, specifically:
- A customs invoice with the commodity code
- The value of the goods
- A packing list with the number and weight of the packages
- The consignor’s EORI number
Export declarations must be submitted online via the ATLAS system, either by a company based in the EU or by an authorised customs agency.
Your export accompanying document (EAD) is then generated electronically via ATLAS. You must enclose the EAD with your shipment.
Finally, you will receive an electronic export notice for download as soon as your goods have left the EU. You will need the export notice as proof for the tax office.
Tip 5: The commodity code
The commodity code is the central classification criterion in cross-border trade. All measures taken by the customs office depend on the correct classification of the goods. The commodity code for exports is therefore the same as the customs tariff number for imports. And both are partially identical, because the first eight digits of the customs tariff number form the commodity code. So if you already know the customs tariff number of the goods through imports, you automatically have the commodity code ready.
If the commodity code is not yet known, the EU offers two options for determining the appropriate number with the TARIC system and the EZT-online database of the customs administration. However, this approach is somewhat unreliable, because the numbers determined in this way are not binding and there may be different opinions about the correct tariff classification of a product. This is annoying for companies because a change can affect the customs duty and the required documents.
To avoid delays, we recommend that you also obtain a Binding Tariff Information (BTI) at your country’s customs office. A BTI is valid for three years and is binding for all customs offices within the EU.
Conclusion
The customs process for exporting from your country to a third country has a few stumbling blocks, and there are special cases that require special permits or licences. These tips will help you to recognise the most common problems and thus reduce unnecessary delays and additional costs. But remember that customs regulations can change and it is important to stay up to date. If you have any questions about customs, importing or exporting, or general questions about a shipment, our customer service shipping experts are happy to help.
We look forward to your enquiry.
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