Import, Export and Intra-Union Trade
Whenever an economic operator based in a European Union (EU) country intends to place a food item (including food supplements) from a third country (non-EU) into the European economic area, we are faced with an import process. The import of food follows a series of requirements and procedures, established by the competent authorities of the EU Member States. Depending on the composition of the products, that is, the type of ingredients that make up the formulation, the procedures may vary, and it may not even be viable to move forward with the process, as there are countries that are not authorized to place certain ingredients in the EU. All processes require careful evaluation to be successful, and for all documents (documentary dossier) and procedures required by the Authorities to be prepared in a timely manner.
Whenever an economic operator based in a European Union (EU) country intends to place a food item (including food supplements) in a third country (non-EU), we are faced with an export process.
Various types of documents may be required by the Authorities of third countries for the introduction of foodstuffs in these markets, among the most prominent the CVL (Certificate of free sale), which attests to the legality of the production and marketing of the food in the country of origin, and the Export Certification for each shipment. This type of documentation must be requested from the National Authority, DGAV, with the involvement of DRAP (Regional Directorates of Agriculture and Fisheries).
Prior to export, economic operators must contact the Authority of the country of destination, and, based on the information obtained, prepare all regulatory support documentation (documentary dossier) of the product(s) to be exported, ensuring that all process complies with local laws.
Countries belonging to the EU benefit from free trade, the so-called free movement in the internal market, which normally only requires accompanying commercial and transport documents. However, each Member State may have its own local laws requiring notification or registration before placing these products on the market. Each country must be assessed on a case-by-case basis, with its Authorities, to prepare the dossier with all the necessary documents.
If you have doubts about the preparation of documentary files, and the type of procedures required by the Authorities of the countries concerned in import, export or Intra-Union trade processes, talk to us.
