Product requirements
Products imported into the EU and placed on the EU market must meet the EU requirements to protect human and animal health, the environment and consumer rights. When product is traded, it may be subject to different control measures, import licensing or other specific trade regimes.
While the requirements for 85% of the products are harmonised in the EU there are also product rules that only apply at national level.
- You can find the specific EU harmonised rules and requirements for your product in My Trade Assistant, complemented by information on the competent authorities and relevant legislation in the EU Member States.
- For additional information about the product rules and regulations for goods that only apply at national level, you may contact the so-called ‘product-contact-points', which each EU country has established.
Remember that you only need to comply with the rules applicable in the EU country where you intend to place your product on the market.
Use My Trade Assistant to find
- import procedures and specific formalities and provisions applying for your imported products;
- customs procedures and samples of the required documents;
- national competent authorities.
Prohibitions and Restrictions (P&R)
Customs authorities and other authorities carry out controls at the Union's borders to enforce these many different requirements under sectoral policies, which are known as ‘prohibitions and restrictions’ (P&R). More information on P&R, including an ‘Integrated EU P&R List’ with all P&R, can be fount under Prohibitions and Restrictions.