EU Market Export Guide

Export to the EU market

The EU market is a key direction for Ukrainian exports, but it requires preparation: correct confirmation of origin, compliance with EU requirements and customs formalities. Let us break down step by step what an exporter needs.

The Ukraine–EU trade regime

Trade with the EU goes within the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA). After the temporary autonomous trade measures ended, tariff quotas on sensitive goods returned. The updated DCFTA combines preferences with quotas and EU market protection mechanisms.

Preferences by origin

To get a reduced or zero duty in the EU, you need to confirm the Ukrainian origin of the goods. This is done via a certificate of origin EUR.1 or an invoice declaration for small consignments, and for regular shipments — via exporter registration in the REX system.

Tariff quotas on agri-food products

GroupExamples
CerealsWheat, maize
Poultry and eggsPoultry meat, eggs
DairyDairy products
OtherHoney, juices, sweet corn

Quotas are often exhausted quickly, so it is important to plan shipments in advance.

EU requirements for goods

Industrial products must comply with EU technical regulations and often bear the CE marking. This is not Ukrainian certification but a requirement of the destination market. Conformity assessment questions are handled together with product certification.

Sanitary and phytosanitary requirements

Agri-food must comply with EU sanitary, phytosanitary and veterinary rules, including pesticide control and animal welfare requirements. This includes phytosanitary control and a veterinary certificate for products of animal origin.

Chemicals, REACH and packaging

For chemical products the REACH regulation applies, and for wooden packaging — ISPM 15 treatment with the IPPC mark. Without this the cargo may not be accepted at the EU border. Packaging is part of preparing the consignment for export.

EU customs formalities

On entry into the EU an entry summary declaration (ENS) is submitted in the ICS2 system. This concerns road and rail transport and requires data in advance. Accurate paperwork reduces the risk of delay at the border.

Logistics and borders

Delivery to the EU most often goes by road through the western crossings, less often by rail or sea. Organizing the route and transit is helped by road freight to Europe with T1/NCTS clearance.

Where an exporter should start

  1. Code and requirements
    We determine the UKT ZED code, quotas and EU requirements.
  2. Origin
    We arrange EUR.1 or REX registration for preferences.
  3. Compliance
    We prepare SPS documents or confirmation of technical regulations.
  4. Customs and delivery
    We clear the export and arrange the route.

Frequently asked questions

Help with export to the EU

Trans-Hope helps determine EU requirements for the goods, arrange origin and SPS documents, clear the export and organize delivery. Send the description of the goods and the destination country — we will tell you what is needed for export.