Includes import documentation and other requirements for both the U.S. exporter and foreign importer.
Last Published: 8/9/2019

Many EU member states maintain their own list of goods that are subject to import licensing. In Hungary, import and export licensing is tasked to the Hungarian Trade Licensing Office (Magyar Kereskedelmi Engedélyezési Hivatal – MKEH).

Import Documentation

The Single Administrative Document
The official model for written declarations to Customs is the Single Administrative Document (SAD).  Goods brought into the EU customs territory are, from the time of their entry, subject to customs supervision until customs formalities are completed.  Goods are covered by a Summary Declaration which is filed once the items have been presented to customs officials.  The customs authorities may allow a period for filing the Declaration which cannot be extended beyond the first working day following the day on which the goods are presented to customs.

The Summary Declaration is filed by either:
-      the person who brought the goods into the customs territory of the European Community or by any person who assumes responsibility for carriage of the goods following such entry; or
-      the person in whose name the person referred to above acted.

The Summary Declaration can be made on a form provided by the customs authorities. However, customs authorities may also allow the use of any commercial or official document that contains the specific information required to identify the goods.  The SAD serves as the EU importer's declaration.  It encompasses both customs duties and VAT and is valid in all EU member states.  The declaration is made by whoever is clearing the goods, normally the importer of record or his/her agent.

European Free Trade Association (EFTA) countries including Norway, Iceland, Switzerland, Turkey and Macedonia also use the SAD. Information on import/export forms is contained in Council Regulation (EEC) No. 2454/93, which lays down provisions for the implementation of the Community Customs Code (Articles 205 through 221).  Articles 222 through 224 provide for computerized customs declarations and Articles 225 through 229 provide for oral declarations.
Hungarian Customs Office
European Union – Project Financing

Prepared by our U.S. Embassies abroad. With its network of 108 offices across the United States and in more than 75 countries, the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the U.S. Commercial Service trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.