At TBA Global, we’re committed to helping your business thrive with our comprehensive range of compliance solutions. If you’re ready to start selling in the European Union (EU), there are several key steps you need to take to ensure a smooth and successful entry into the market. Here’s a detailed checklist to guide you through the process and help get your e-commerce business up and running in the EU.

1.Register for VAT

Value-added tax (VAT) is a critical factor when doing business in the EU. If you plan to sell to customers in the EU, storing inventory in at least one EU warehouse is highly recommended. This ensures that your customers won’t need to pay import fees when purchasing from you, improving their shopping experience and reducing cart abandonment.

Each EU country operates its own VAT registration system. To store inventory in a specific country, you’ll need to register for VAT in that country. Once registered, you can ship products across the entire EU without import fees for your customers. This provides a seamless experience and opens up a broad market for your business.

Example: If you choose to store inventory in Germany, you’ll need to register for VAT in Germany. Once you’ve done this, you can ship directly from Germany to any other EU country without your customers facing additional import charges. By registering for VAT in multiple EU countries, such as through Amazon’s Pan-EU program, you can further increase efficiency, reduce lead times, and improve customer satisfaction – take a look at Amazon’s Pan-EU programme.  

2.Register for EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility)

In many EU countries, businesses are required to meet environmental regulations under Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). These regulations apply to specific categories of goods, including packaged goods, products containing batteries, and electrical or electronic items. EPR compliance is essential to avoid penalties and disruptions to your business.
Before selling in the EU, it’s important to research the categories enforced in your target market and ensure you’ve registered under the appropriate EPR system. This step is crucial for businesses that deal in these regulated goods, as failure to comply can result in fines or even the inability to sell your products.

3.Ensure Your Products Are Certified and Safety Tested

Product safety and certification are taken very seriously in the EU. Many products are regulated by the European Conformity (CE) certification, which ensures that goods meet EU health, safety, and environmental standards. Without this certification, your products could be seized at the border before they reach your customers.
In addition to CE marking, businesses may need to appoint a Responsible Person to represent them in the EU. This is especially relevant for compliance with the General Product Safety Regulation, which is set to come into force at the end of this year. Ensuring your products are certified and appointing a Responsible Person are essential steps in safeguarding your business from potential legal and operational issues.

4.Get ready for shipping 

Efficient shipping is key to a successful e-commerce business in the EU. Before shipping inventory into the EU for storage, ensure you have a valid EU Economic Operator Registration and Identification (EORI) number. This number can be issued by any EU country and is necessary for clearing goods through customs.
In addition, individual EU countries may have specific import requirements. Be sure to check with your logistics provider to avoid delays or complications. Proper preparation ensures your shipments move smoothly and reach your customers on time, which is critical for maintaining a positive reputation.

5. Boost your business further

One way to protect and enhance your brand’s image is through trademark registration. The EU offers a unique trademark system where businesses only need to apply once for their trademark to be enforceable across all EU member states. This is an effective way to safeguard your brand and build a recognizable presence in the EU market.
Having a registered trademark not only provides legal protection but also helps to increase brand value and customer trust. It’s a valuable investment for any e-commerce business looking to expand internationally.

TBA Global is your one-stop shop for all things compliance. We specialize in helping businesses navigate the complexities of VAT registration, EPR compliance, product testing, certifications, EORI applications, trademark registrations, and much more. With our expertise, you can focus on growing your business while we handle the legal and regulatory aspects.

Ready to take your e-commerce business to the next level? Contact us today at info@tbaglobal.com for a free, personalized consultation.