Required Import Documents
EORI Number (EU)
Required for any EU business importing or exporting commercially. Apply through your national customs authority — free in most member states. Germany: Zoll.de; France: Pro.douane.gouv.fr; Netherlands: Belastingdienst.nl.
Customs Import Declaration (SAD / H1)
Filed electronically with the customs authority of the country of entry (the "customs clearance country"). Your freight forwarder or customs agent typically handles this.
Commercial Invoice
Must include exporter's details, goods description, HS/CN-8 commodity code, quantity, total value, Incoterms, country of origin, and any relevant certifications referenced.
Proof of Preferential Origin
Required to claim preferential duty rates under EU trade agreements (EUR.1, REX declaration, or Statement on Origin). Check the EU TARIC database for applicable trade agreements by supplier country.
Import Licences / Authorisations
Required for goods subject to trade policy measures: anti-dumping duties, TRQ (tariff rate quotas), CITES-listed species, agricultural products under specific schemes.
Compliance & Tariff Requirements
CE Marking
Mandatory for regulated product categories sold in the EU: machinery, electronics, toys, PPE, medical devices, construction products, measuring instruments. The manufacturer (or EU importer) places CE and holds a Declaration of Conformity.
EU Common External Tariff (CET)
Applies to imports from non-EU, non-preferential-agreement countries. Rates: electronics 0–14%, clothing 12%, footwear 17%, machinery 0–3.5%. Use the EU TARIC database (ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/dds2/taric) for exact rates.
Import VAT
VAT at the destination member state rate applies on importation. Most EU businesses with a VAT number can reclaim import VAT. The EU One-Stop Shop (OSS) scheme simplifies VAT for e-commerce but does not apply to standard B2B commercial imports.
REACH (Chemicals)
EU REACH regulation controls the manufacture and import of chemical substances. Importers placing chemicals or articles containing restricted substances into the EU are "Only Representatives" or EU importers responsible for REACH compliance. Verify your supplier can provide full SDS (Safety Data Sheets).
EU GPSR (General Product Safety Regulation)
From December 2024, GPSR (Regulation 2023/988) replaced the General Product Safety Directive. Requires a responsible EU economic operator for every product placed on the EU market. Importers from third countries must appoint an EU-based "responsible person" if the manufacturer is outside the EU.
Shipping & Lead Times
Main EU import ports: Rotterdam (world's 10th busiest), Hamburg, Antwerp, Barcelona, Genoa. Most importers choose a single port of entry then ship bonded to the destination country for clearance. Air cargo hubs: Frankfurt (FRA), Amsterdam (AMS), Paris CDG. EU customs union means you clear customs once — goods then move freely by road or rail within the EU.
Sourcing on Towobo
Towobo suppliers are tagged with country of origin on every listing — critical for EU buyers checking trade agreement eligibility. Use the EU TARIC tool alongside Towobo searches to pre-calculate your import duty before placing an order.
Browse All SuppliersFrequently Asked Questions
Can I import into any EU country and then ship goods freely within the EU?
Yes. The EU Customs Union means that once goods are released for free circulation in one member state (customs duty paid, compliance verified), they can be sold and shipped freely within all 27 EU member states without further customs formalities. Many importers choose Netherlands or Belgium for the efficient ports and customs infrastructure.
What is the EU TARIC database?
TARIC (Tarif Intégré des Communautés Européennes) is the official EU database of import duty rates, preferential agreements, quotas, anti-dumping measures and product-specific regulations. Access it free at ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/dds2/taric. Enter your 10-digit CN code and country of origin to see the exact applicable duty rate.
Who is responsible for CE marking — me or my supplier?
For goods manufactured outside the EU, the EU importer (you) becomes the "economic operator" legally responsible for placing CE-marked goods on the EU market. Your supplier must provide the technical file and Declaration of Conformity, but you bear the legal responsibility as the importer. For this reason, always obtain the full CE documentation package before importing regulated products.
What is REACH and does it affect my imports?
REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) affects any importer bringing chemical substances or articles containing listed substances into the EU. If you import products containing SVHC (Substances of Very High Concern) above 0.1% w/w, you have notification obligations. Your supplier should provide a full SDS (Safety Data Sheet) for chemical goods.
What is the EU responsible person requirement?
Under the new GPSR (effective December 2024), every product placed on the EU market must have a named "responsible person" established within the EU — either the manufacturer (if EU-based), the importer, or an authorised representative. As an EU importer you automatically fulfil this role. If you're a UK company selling into the EU, you need to appoint an EU-based responsible person.
Sourcing Guides for Popular EU Import Requirements Imports
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