Exporting from the EU, importing into the EU - all you need to know

Accessible at the website of the European Commission there is "My Trade Assistant", a tool that ombines existing tools such as the Market Access Database, the EU Trade Helpdesk and much more in a single tool which is mainly addressed for the use of small business looking to internationalise.

Once the search criteria are entered (product code, country of origin, country of destination) this tool provides usefull relevant information in international trade.

The results cover:

• Information specific to the country of destination
  • Country overview
• Information specific to the product and country of destination
  • Product classification, product specific requirements, MFN and GEN tariffs, preferential tariffs, other tariffs, tariff notes, indirect taxation regime (VAT; Excises; Levy; other), trade barriers and trade defence measures for exports.
• Information specific to a trade agreement / trade arrangement
  • Mutually recognised geographical indications (GIs), import procedures and formalities
• Information specific to the product in the context of a trade agreement / trade arrangement
  • Preferential tariffs; tariff notes; tariff dismantling schedule on how the tariffs will reduce over time; rules of origin (including self-assessment tool in some cases).