The European Union is a global trade hub, offering shippers access to 27 member states and a market of over 440 million consumers. However, navigating European import regulations can be challenging due to the Union’s strict compliance standards. 

Logistics and compliance go hand in hand; the latter doesn’t happen without the former. This article serves as a guide to shipping goods into the EU in 2025 while remaining compliant with the most relevant legislation. 

Understanding EU Customs Regulations

The EU operates under the Union Customs Code (UCC), a unified customs code that defines the legal framework for customs rules and procedures in the EU customs territory. The UCC has the benefit of upholding consistent requirements across the territory, but it also mandates strict adherence to its rules. 

Key aspects of the UCC include: 

• The Harmonised System (HS): The Harmonised System is an internationally recognised system of names and numbers used to categorise all goods coming in and out of the EU. Goods must be categorised according to a standardised HS code, which determines the taxes, duties, and regulatory requirements that apply to them.  
• Customs Declarations: Declarations can be submitted electronically via the EU’s customs systems.
• Economic Operator Registration and Identification (EORI) Number: Businesses importing into the EU must register for an EORI number, which is required for customs declarations. 

Although the summary above captures a broad description of EU customs regulations, these regulations are complex and vary from state to state. It is prudent to stay up to date with the individual customs regulations of the region your shipment is destined for or to collaborate with a trustworthy logistics partner who is deeply familiar with the conditions of compliance with EU customs regulations.  

Determining import duties and taxes 

Only two things in life are certain: death, and taxes. To remain compliant, it is essential that you determine which import duties and taxes you are liable to pay in the region. When shipping goods into the EU, the following needs to be accounted for: 

• Customs duties: These are typically calculated based on the HS code, the value of the goods, and the country of origin 
• Value-added tax (VAT): It is important to note that VAT rates vary across member states; VAT is applied to the value of the goods, plus duties and shipping costs 
• Excise duties: These are only applicable to certain products, such as alcohol and tobacco products, energy products (e.g. oil and gas), vehicles, and goods classified as “luxury” products 

Prospective shippers must be familiar with the European tariff database to avoid unexpected costs associated with the failure to pay the right taxes and duties on appropriate products. 

Complying with product standards and certifications 

All goods entering the EU are subject to stringent standards to ensure safety, health, and environmental protection. These standards include, but are not limited to:

• CE marking: Marking products (especially electronics, machinery, and toys) with the letters “CE” signifies that the products have been assessed to meet high safety, health, and environmental protection requirements. Importers bear a duty to ensure that only products bearing CE markings are placed on the European market, as well as to understand the legal requirements behind these markings 
• Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH): REACH aims to protect human health and the environment by restricting the use of hazardous substances in products sold in the EU. The REACH standards are subject to constant change, so importers ought to closely follow the latest requirements to avoid regulatory fines and litigation 
• Classification, Labeling, and Packaging (CLP) regulations: European CLP regulations govern the classification and labelling of chemical substances and mixtures. They include specific rules for the hazard pictograms, signal words, hazard statements, and more that appear on the labelling

Although many of the EU product standards and regulations are related to human health, safety, and environmental protection, they are not necessarily limited to alcohol, tobacco, and electronic products. Nevertheless, if you are attempting to import goods that are particularly compliance-heavy, it is wise to do so with an experienced logistics partner. 

Preparing accurate documentation 

In the game of compliance, getting your ducks in a row is half the battle won. For smooth customs clearance, ensure that the following documents are accurately prepared and ready to go: 

• Commercial invoice 
• Packing list 
• Certificate of origin 
• Airway Bill and other shipping documents 
• Certain goods like pharmaceuticals or agricultural products require specific import permits, so make sure those are in order before you attempt to import 

This is by no means an exhaustive list, but it does give an idea of the scope of documentation to prepare. 

Compliance is key to smooth customs clearance 

Shipping goods into the EU requires meticulous planning, attention to detail, and strict compliance with customs and regulatory requirements. However, a firm grasp of tariffs, product standards, and the requisite documentation makes it possible to streamline the process and minimise the risk of being fined for non-compliance. 

For a seamless and stress-free experience, consider outsourcing your compliance needs to re:TRADE — a compliance-first logistics partner that leverages a technology-backed platform to strategise personalised logistics solutions for our clients. 

Because we specialise in solutions for shipping to the EU from outside the EU, we are well-positioned to craft logistics solutions for even the most challenging product categories. Confidently access the lucrative EU market while staying fully compliant with the user-friendly re:TRADE portal.