What should we know about Exporting into Europe

Question

We are a small company selling children’s toys, and recently we have been receiving orders from Europe. What should we be aware of with regard to paperwork / export charges into Europe?

Answer

Hello Caroline,
Your question raises more questions before detailed assistance can be provided.
What is the country of manufacture / origin? What kind of volume? What kind of toys?

Toys have to meet rigorous standards concerning manufacture and performance / safety and evidence of certification is required at import to the EU. If selling within the EU certification is still required.

If importing from outside of the EU there will be import duty and VAT to pay and a shipping invoice or commercial invoice will be required. If items qualify for origin based preference duty can be reduced.

If selling from within the EU to another VAT registered company intrastats, ESL and VAT returns have to reflect the sale / goods movement

To discuss further please contact me directly [email protected] or visit www.morley-consulting.co.uk

Answer

Caroline,
A good starting point for general information on safety legislation is: http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/sectors/toys/

Also, well worth looking with regards to the European Toy Industry is http://www.tietoy.org/

I support the comments made by the previous responder regarding the types of toys, their origin, etc. Also, it raises the question whether your inquiries/orders are from registered importers/retailers or directly from members of the public within the EU. This will determine whether VAT needs to be included in your sales invoice or not. Selling outside of the EU is a different matter, so there are many questions which I am sure you have the answers to. The paper work required will differ accordingly.

Regards,
Richard England
[email protected]

Answer

Dear Caroline

The info given by Susan and Richard appears to be a good way to proceed. When you
are in a position to start shipping and need freight quotations please contact us directly
on email [email protected] or phone 01263 513127 and we will try our best
to help.
Best regards
Colin ; Crown Frt

Export Action Plan