To export products from Cyprus you are following a structured procedure to meet local as well as international trade regulations. Below is a full guide on exporting goods from Cyprus:

Learn about export regulations

Check export restrictions: Find out if your goods need export licenses or permits. Some goods may be restricted or controlled (military equipment, dual-use items, endangered species, etc.).

Tariff codes: Choose your HS (Harmonized System) code for your goods. It is necessary for classifying products and for calculating duties.

EU trade regulations: Cyprus is an EU member and hence exports within the EU are normally exempt from customs duties, while exports to non-EU countries have to observe EU export rules.

Necessary documentation preparation

Commercial Invoice: Buyers, sellers, goods description, price, terms of sale, and payment.

Packing List: What’s included in the package:

• Certificates of Origin: If necessary, by the destination country.
• Export license/permit: For restricted goods.
• Transport documents: Sea Bill of Lading, Airway Bill, CMR.
• Insurance certificate: Proof of cargo insurance.
• Customs Declaration Form (EX-A): Entered through the electronic customs system.

Customs duties and taxes

Determine customs duties and taxes. It will check if the destination country has free trade agreements (FTAs) with Cyprus or the EU. Which may only or not require paying tariffs. Pay duties and taxes for your goods using the EU’s TARIC database.

Choose a shipping method

• Sea Freight: Bulky or large shipments. Limassol and Larnaca are major ports of Cyprus.
• Air Freight: Faster but more expensive. Go through the international airports of Larnaca or Paphos.
• Road Freight: To trade with nearby countries through Turkey or Greece.
• Courier Services: In case of urgent or small parcels.

Use professional services

• Freight Forwarders: Logistics and documentation help.
• Customs Brokers: Help with customs clearance procedures.
• Chambers of Commerce: Offer certificates of origin, trade information and guidance.

Export procedure

1. Transport and confirm Incoterms (EXW, FOB, CIF).
2. Fill out a customs export declaration (Form 1124) electronically and submit it via the Cyprus customs system.
3. Make payment of applicable export fees.
4. Customs clearance is done for goods. Provide all documents.
5. Get shipping arrangements and tracking.

Understand destination market requirements

Make sure that import restrictions, standards and more specifically labels are allowed in the target market. At least obtain the necessary certifications (e.g. CE marking for the EU, FDA for the USA).

Trade support resources

Trade service providers: Contact Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) Cyprus for export support.

Government agencies: In terms of guidance and export promotion programs, the Cyprus Ministry of Energy, Commerce and Industry is available.

Cyprus Customs Department: It offers detailed resources on export procedures.

Ongoing compliance

You have to keep records of all export transactions for at least 5 years (or as required by law).

Find out about updates in trade agreements, tariffs and customs procedures.

Exports in Cyprus

As with imports, the country’s most exported product is refined petroleum, which makes up around 35% of the country’s total exports. With 7%, packaged pharmaceuticals are the second most exported products of Cyprus. About 3 percent of exports are passenger and cargo ships. Cyprus also exports gold, broadcasting equipment and dairy products in smaller percentages. Cyprus’ export list includes electrical devices. Greece is one of Cyprus’ main trading partners, with about 15% of the country’s products exported to Greece. But South Korea is first in Cyprus’ exports, importing an average of 20% of its goods from Cyprus. Among the countries which import from Cyprus is The United Kingdom. Importing 6% of Cyprus’ products, Poland, Belgium and Germany respectively take place in the top 3 of the list of Cyprus’ partners to export.

Export requirements in Cyprus

As with imports, the export of goods from Cyprus will be subject to specific requirements. The Cypriot companies sending the goods to other destinations will have to prepare the documents this time.

Importers from other countries will be required by the same documents that must be issued when importing goods into Cyprus. Yet, most of the time the goods exported from Cyprus are to be re-exported from Cyprus to the other EU countries from where they are further exported. The documentation or certificates required to import the goods depend on the country of Cyprus. Where the goods are being brought from the company importing the goods from Cyprus may vary from the correct.

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