Alright, let's talk about getting your products into the EU.

This is where a lot of sellers get tripped up, but I'm going to break it down for you. Importing might seem like a nightmare of paperwork and regulations, but once you understand the process, it's not so bad.

Understanding EU Customs 🚢

First things first, the EU is a customs union. This means:

• Once your goods clear customs in one EU country, they can move freely within the EU
• But remember, some countries (like Norway and Switzerland) are in Europe but not in the EU customs union

Key Documents You'll Need

1. Commercial Invoice: Details of the goods, value, and parties involved
2. Packing List: What's in each package
3. Bill of Lading (for sea freight) or Airway Bill (for air freight)
4. Certificate of Origin: Where your goods come from
5. Import License: Required for certain products
6. Customs Value Declaration
7. Freight Insurance
8. EUR.1 Movement Certificate: For preferential trade agreements

Customs Procedures 🏁

1. Pre-arrival Declaration: Submit before goods arrive in the EU
2. Customs Declaration: Usually done electronically through the CHIEF system
3. Inspection: Goods may be physically inspected