Did You Know? Import Products Without Paying Import Duties

In some cases, it is possible to import products from outside the EU without paying import duties. This applies, for example, when the EU has signed trade agreements with non-EU countries that provide for duty exemptions—provided that the goods are originating products from the partner country.

Customs Warehousing (Bonded Storage)

If part of your imported goods is destined for re-export outside the EU, they can be stored in a customs warehouse. This allows you to defer or avoid paying import duties, since the goods never officially enter the EU market.

Inward Processing Relief (IPR)

If raw materials are imported from outside the EU and processed into finished or semi-finished products that are later exported to non-EU countries, the Inward Processing regime applies. Under this procedure, no import duties or taxesare charged on the raw materials used in the production process.

Important Conditions

• The goods must originate from a country with which the EU has a preferential trade agreement

• For warehousing and processing schemes, formal customs approval is required

• Full traceability and documentation must be maintained