Includes import documentation and other requirements for both the U.S. exporter and foreign importer.
Last Published: 6/13/2019
The TARIC (Tarif Intégré de la Communauté), described above, is available to help determine if a license is required for a product. Moreover, the European Commission maintains an export helpdesk with information on import restrictions of various products.  
Many EU member states maintain their own list of goods that are subject to import licensing.  
 
Poland's "Import List" includes goods for which licenses are required, their code numbers, any applicable restrictions, and the agency that will issue the relevant license. The Import List also indicates whether the license is required under Polish or EU law. The relevant bodies for issuing licenses for import of goods are: Ministry of Development, Department of Trade and Services: tel: +48 22 693 55 53, e-mail: sekretariatdhu@mr.gov.pl for industrial goods and Ministry of Development, Department of Sensitive Goods Trading and Technical Security: tel: +48 22 693 54 45, e-mail: sekretariatdot@mr.gov.pl for sensitive and dual-use goods as well as Agricultural Market Agency External Trade Office, tel: +48 22 376 75 90, e-mail: d.wolska@arr.gov.pl for agricultural and food products. 
 
For information conduct a search on the Commerce Department’s Market Research Library. 
 
Import Documentation 
The Single Administrative Document 
The official model for written declarations to customs is the Single Administrative Document (SAD). The SAD describes goods and their movement around the world and is essential for trade outside the EU, or of non-EU goods. 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, however, 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:  
the person who brought the goods into the customs territory of the 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, and Liechtenstein 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.  
Click here for complete information on the Single Administrative Document.   
Regulation (EC) No 450/2008 laying down the Community Customs Code (so-called the “Modernized Customs Code”) aimed at the adaptation of customs legislation and at introducing the electronic environment for customs and trade. This Regulation entered force on June 24, 2008 and was due to be applicable once its implementing provisions were in force by June 2013.  However, the Modernized Customs Code was recast as a Union Customs Code (UCC) before it became applicable. The Union Customs Code (UCC) Regulation entered force in October 2013 and repealed the MCC Regulation.  Its substantive provisions went into effect on May 1st, 2016.   
Click here for complete information on the Union Customs Code. 
 
Economic Operator Registration and Identification (EORI) 
Since July 1, 2009, all companies established outside of the EU are required to have an EORI number if they wish to lodge a customs declaration or an Entry/Exit Summary declaration.  All U.S. companies should use this number for their customs clearances. An EORI number must be formally requested from the customs of the specific member state to which the company exports. Member state custom authorities may request additional documents to be submitted alongside a formal request for an EORI number. Once a company has received an EORI number, it can use it for exports to any of the 28 EU member states.  There is no single format for the EORI number.  Once an operator holds an EORI number s/he can request the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO: see below under “MRA”) status, which can give quicker access to certain simplified customs procedures  
Click here for more information about the EORI number. 
 
U.S. - EU Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) 
Since 1997, the U.S. and the EU have had an agreement on customs cooperation and mutual assistance in customs matters.  
In 2012 the United States and the EU signed a new Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) aimed at matching procedures to associate one another’s customs identification numbers.  The MCC introduced the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program (known as the “security amendment”).  This is similar to the United States’ voluntary Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) program in which participants receive certification as a “trusted” trader.  AEO certification issued by a national customs authority and is recognized by all member state’s customs agencies.  As of April 17, 2017, an AEO can consist of two different types of authorization: “customs simplification” or “security and safety.”  The former allows for an AEO to benefit from simplification related to customs legislation, while the latter allows for facilitation through security and safety procedures.  Shipping to a trader with AEO status could facilitate an exporter’s trade as its benefits include expedited processing of shipments, reduced theft/losses, reduced data requirements, lower inspection costs, and enhanced loyalty and recognition. Under the revised Union Customs Code, for an operator to make use of certain customs simplifications, the authorization of AEO becomes mandatory.  
 
The United States and the EU recognize each other’s security certified operators and will take the respective membership status of certified trusted traders favorably into account to the extent possible.  The favorable treatment provided by mutual recognition will result in lower costs, simplified procedures and greater predictability for transatlantic business activities.  The newly signed arrangement officially recognizes the compatibility of AEO and C-TPAT programs, thereby facilitating faster and more secure trade between U.S. and EU operators. The agreement is being implemented in two phases. The first commenced in July 2012 with the U.S. customs authorities placing shipments coming from EU AEO members into a lower risk category.  The second phase took place in early 2013, with the EU re-classifying shipments coming from C-TPAT members into a lower risk category.  The U.S. customs identification numbers (MID) are therefore recognized by customs authorities in the EU, as per Implementing Regulation 58/2013 (which amends EU Regulation 2454/93 cited above). 
Click here for additional information on the MRA and here for revised AEO Guidelines (published March 2016).  
 
Introduction 
A key EU priority is to ensuring products marketed in the region are safe for the environment and human health.  U.S. manufacturers exporting to the European Union need to ensure their products meet these requirements to enter the market. 
 
New Initiatives: Circular Economy & Plastics Strategy 
On 25 September 2014, the European Commission published the Communication “Towards a circular economy: A zero waste program for Europe”.  The Communication acknowledges the intense competition for resources within Europe and the need to ensure market mechanisms eliminate waste. When implementing this package, the European Commission will promote regulatory and voluntary measures that encourage the “design out” of waste during the product development cycle.  These measures include introducing mandatory recycling targets for waste, improvements to energy and resource use (e.g. water) and eliminating the use of materials in products that inhibit the collection, recycling and reuse of materials in products.  
 
On 16 January 2018, the European Commission published what is arguably the most important measure towards implementing the circular economy.  On that day it adopted a strategy document entitled, “A European Strategy for Plastics in a Circular Economy”.  The strategy acknowledges that plastics have a positive and negative impact on the environment, while calling for voluntary and regulatory measures aimed at mitigating the environmental harm caused by plastics.  These measures address marine litter caused by the shipping industry; measures addressing the chemical composition of plastics to encourage recycling; potential regulation on single use plastics; and funding for the development of chemical and mechanical recycling.  
 
Batteries  
The EU Battery Directive adopted in 2006 (Directive 2006/66) applies to all batteries and accumulators placed on the EU market.  This includes automotive, industrial and portable batteries.  The Directive seeks to protect the environment by restricting the sale of batteries and accumulators that contain mercury or cadmium (with an exemption for emergency and alarm systems, medical equipment and cordless power tools) and by promoting a high level of collection and recycling.  It places the responsibility on producers to finance the costs associated with the collection, treatment, and recycling of used batteries and accumulators. The Directive also includes provisions on the labeling of batteries and their removability from equipment.  The European Commission publishes a FAQ document – last updated in May 2014 - to assist interested parties in interpreting its provisions.  For more information, see our market research reports on regulatory issues in the European Union.  
 
Registration, Evaluation and Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) 
REACH applies to all chemicals manufactured or imported into the EU in quantities exceeding one metric ton.  The regulation entered force in 2007 (Regulation 1907/2006) and touches virtually every industrial sector, from automobiles to textiles.  REACH imposes a registration obligation on all entities affected by the one metric ton criteria by May 31, 2018.  The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) is the agency responsible for receiving and ensuring the completeness of such registrations. U.S. companies without a presence in Europe need to rely on an EU-based partner, typically either an importer or a specialized ‘Only Representative’.   
 
In addition to the registration requirement, U.S. exporters should carefully review the REACH ‘Candidate List’ of Substances of Very High Concern (SVHCs) and the ‘Authorization List’.  Under certain conditions, substances on the Candidate List are subject to communication requirements prior to their export to the EU. Companies seeking to export chemicals on the ‘Authorization List’ will require an authorization. Click here for the Candidate List and here for the Authorization List.  
 
Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive 
EU rules on WEEE, while not requiring specific customs or import paperwork, may entail a financial obligation for U.S. exporters.  The Directive requires U.S. exporters to register relevant products with a national WEEE authority or arrange for this to be done by a local partner.  The WEEE Directive was revised on July 4, 2012 and the scope of products covered was expanded to include all electrical and electronic equipment. This revised scope will apply from August 14, 2018 with a phase-in period that has already begun.  U.S. exporters seeking more information on the WEEE Directive should click here.   
 
Restriction on Hazardous Substances RoHS 
The ROHS Directive imposes restrictions on the use of certain chemicals in electrical and electronic equipment.  It does not require specific customs or import paperwork however, manufacturers must self-certify that their products are compliant and affix a “CE” market. The 2011 revisions to the ROHS Directive significantly expanded the scope of covered products.  Generally, U.S. exporters have until July 22, 2019 to bring products into compliance that were once outside the scope. More information on the RoHS Directive can be found by clicking here.  
 
Cosmetics Regulation 
The EU legislation harmonizing the regulation of cosmetic products has applied since July 11, 2013.  The most controversial element of the regulation was the introduction of an EU-wide system for the notification of cosmetic products to the European Commission prior to their placement on the EU market.  Only an EU-established entity may submit such a notification.  Therefore U.S. exporters must either retain a “Responsible Person” to act on their behalf, rely on their exporter, or establish a presence in the EU.  
Export.gov provides additional details on the EU Cosmetics Regulation.  
 
Agricultural Documentation  
Phytosanitary Certificates: Phytosanitary certificates are required for most fresh fruits, vegetables, and other plant materials.  
Sanitary Certificates: For commodities composed of animal products or by-products, EU countries require that shipments be accompanied by a certificate issued by the competent authority of the exporting country.  This applies regardless of whether the product is for human consumption, for pharmaceutical use, or strictly for non-human use (e.g., veterinary biologicals, animal feeds, fertilizers, research).  Many these certificates are uniform throughout the EU, but the harmonization process is still ongoing.  Most recently, certificates for a series of highly processed products including chondroitin sulphate, hyaluronic acid, hydrolyzed cartilage products, chitosan, glucosamine, rennet, isinglass and amino acids are being harmonized.  Until harmonization is finalized, certain member state import requirements continue to apply.  In addition to the legally required EU health certificates, several other certificates are used in international trade.  These certificates, which may also be harmonized in EU legislation, certify origin for customs purposes and certain quality attributes.  Up-to-date information on harmonized import requirements can be found at the website of the Foreign Agricultural Service at the U.S. Mission to the European Union.  
 
Sanitary Certificates (Fisheries)  
In April 2006, the European Union declared the U.S. seafood inspection system as equivalent to the European one.  Consequently, a specific public health certificate must accompany U.S. seafood shipments.  The U.S. fishery product sanitary certificate is a combination of Commission Decision 2006/199/EC for the public health attestation and of Regulation 1012/2012 for the general template and animal health attestation.  Unlike for fishery products, the U.S. shellfish sanitation system is not equivalent to that of the EU’s. The EU and the U.S. are currently negotiating a veterinary equivalency agreement on shellfish.  In the meantime, the EU still has a ban in place (since July 1, 2010), that prohibits the import of U.S. bivalve mollusks, in whatever form, into EU territory.  This ban does not apply to wild roe-off scallops.  
 
Since June 2009, the only U.S. competent authority for issuing sanitary certificates for fishery and aquaculture products is the U.S. Department of Commerce, National Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA-NMFS).  
 
In addition to sanitary certificates, all third countries wishing to export fishery products to the EU are requested to provide a catch certificate. This catch certificate certifies that the products in question have been caught legally.  
For detailed information on import documentation for seafood, please contact the NOAA Fisheries office at the U.S. Mission to the EU (stephane.vrignaud@trade.gov) or visit the following NOAA’s dedicated web site.  

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.