Import of goods from abroad

Import of goods from abroad
Are you planning to import a product to Bulgaria from the EU or from a third country? Is it your first time?
If it is not your first time and your company already has accumulated experience in importing products and raw materials - well, although there are also surprises - changes, changes in the regulations of different countries, but you have already gone down this road more than once and probably with a good logistics partner, everything will be arranged perfectly - international transport, warehouse logistics, customs representation, domestic transport, documents, permits, etc.
But if it's your first time, you need to prepare well. Importing products and/or raw materials is embedded in your financial/marketing/business plan and with clearly defined goals - you have thought it through, your company has the capacity, staff, bases, you have a strategy on how to import the product/raw material - so we will not comment on that. We will write a little about the other aspect of the import business, in fact, it will probably be a little, but we will try in general terms, in two or three materials to give you the basic information, but you can always contact us and we will assist you . So - "Is your company ready to carry out periodic imports, go through customs procedures and choose the most suitable means of transport?".
Import conditions and duties depend on how you want to import, but first you need to know - who can import into the EU. In order to import into the EU, you must be established as a company in the EU, this includes registration for VAT purposes. If you reside outside the EU, you must be established as a company and/or have a work permit that allows you to carry out an independent commercial activity. You must also find a person established in the EU who is willing to act on your behalf as an exporter (for example, a logistics service provider or customs agent). In general, you must also register with the national commercial register and have an EORI number (identification number) which is valid throughout the EU.
Need to become very familiar with the import or marketing rules that apply to your imported product in the EU? Are there any restrictions on imports into the EU or into a specific member state. Please note that the import of some sensitive goods or the import of some goods coming from certain countries may be prohibited or restricted. You may need permits, a license or submit an officially approved import notification. In the TARIC database, you can check if you need a license to import your product/raw material. The main types of products subject to import restrictions are: agricultural products, medicinal products, chemicals, iron and steel products, cultural property, textile products and clothing, weapons, counterfeit or pirated goods, obscene publications/videos, endangered species , waste, some live animals and products containing animal substances, plants and products containing plant substances. For such products, it is checked which rules apply.
The next thing you need to find out is what import duties apply to your product and if there are additional duties that apply. You may have to pay import duties on your product when it enters the EU. The EU is a customs union, which means that a single import tariff is due at the point of entry where the import declaration is made, regardless of EU member state. The product can then move on the EU market without additional customs formalities. Tariffs are paid according to your trade agreement with the seller, but often import duties are paid by the importer. Don't forget to check if your company can benefit from any EU trade agreements, as this could reduce or even eliminate tariffs on your product. Also - taxes - Value Added Tax (VAT) applies to goods sold on the EU market and therefore to goods imported from outside the EU. VAT varies in each EU Member State and is usually paid by the importer. Excise duty is paid for tobacco products, alcoholic beverages, mineral oil, energy products.
You should investigate whether you need a certificate of origin. This document is issued by your approved exporter or the registered exporter (in the REX system) who also provides their authorization or registration numbers.
It is important that the product/raw material also meets EU health, safety, environmental and technical requirements for your product, as different types of testing and certification may be required. This most often applies to industrial products and to health and hygiene requirements for food and agricultural products.

And finally for today - you should also be familiar with packaging and labeling requirements, because EU member states often have detailed product packaging and labeling requirements, but keep in mind that these can be mandatory or voluntary. Mandatory markings and labels on consumer products and their packaging are usually related to public safety, health and/or the environment. They may provide information such as the ingredients or expiration date. And voluntary, for example, are those that indicate the biological production of the product.

Next is "Transportation Arrangement".

See more:
EORI NUMBER
CUSTOMS REPRESENTATION
INTERNAL TRANSPORT

Grand Logistiks
*Excuse us if there is an inaccuracy in the translation - a common translator is used.