Goods from Estonia need to be understood and comply with local, EU and international trade regulations when exporting. Here’s a comprehensive guide:
Understand export regulations
EU member state rules: Imports from other EU countries as well as exports to them are free from customs duties. Exports to non-EU countries must conform to EU and international trade rules.
Controlled goods: Look at any restrictions on your products, and assess if they need special permits (dual-use goods, military items or cultural artefacts).
HS code classification: Determine the HS (Harmonized System) code for your goods because this helps determine tariffs and regulations applicable to your goods.
Register your business
Make sure that your business is registered with the Estonian Business Register (Äriregister).
You need to obtain an EORI (Economic Operator Registration and Identification) number. Which is necessary for any customs procedures, from the Estonian Tax and Customs Board
Prepare required documentation
Commercial Invoice: Key details such as buyer, seller, product description, price and terms of sale can be found in.
Packing list: Package details, including weight and dimensions, are specified.
Export license/permit: Restricted goods require that.
Certificates of origin: Subject to request from the importing country.
Customs declaration: Filed electronically through the EU-wide system or Estonian customs e-service.
Transport documents: Bill of Lading, Airway Bill or CMR (for road transport) is included.
Insurance Certificate: Proof of shipment insurance.
Specific certificates: In some cases, for products that require CE marking (e.g. machinery or electronics), or phytosanitary certificates (e.g. agricultural goods).
Calculate customs duties and taxes
Check duties and taxes for your products using the TARIC database (EU’s integrated tariff database).
You need to verify whether or not the destination country has a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the EU to take advantage of the reduced and zero tariffs.
Choose the right shipping method
Road freight: As a result, road transport is a suitable form of trade within Europe for Estonia.
Sea Freight: International shipping is dependent upon major ports such as the Port of Tallinn.
Air Freight: Use Tallinn Airport for fast, high-value shipments.
Rail Freight: As an alternative to trade with Asia, especially on the New Silk Road.
Courier Services: Small or urgent parcels.
Seek professional assistance
Freight Forwarders: Logistics, provide help with complex shipping processes.
Customs Brokers: Declaring and clearing through customs.
Chamber of Commerce: It offers certificates of origin and export-related advice.
Trade Networks: Use Enterprise Estonia (EAS) to promote exports.
Export procedure
- Make sure your buyer confirms the Incoterms on EXW, FOB, CIF, etc.
- You submit an electronic customs declaration on Estonia’s e-Maksu ja Tolliameti e-service portal.
- Include required documentation (in bills, permits, certificates).
- You’ll have to pay the applicable export fees and taxes.
- Goods are cleared by customs for export.
- You can organize transport and also provide the buyer with tracking information.
Destination country requirements
All this is to verify, if the target market has any import restrictions, labelling requirements, standards, etc. Get the necessary certifications (for USA, FDA: for China, CCC).
Use export support resources
Enterprise Estonia (EAS): Through expert advice, training and market research, provides.
Estonian Tax and Customs Board: Detai\l guidance is offered on customs processes and requirements.
European Enterprise Network (EEN): It supports EU businesses in going international.
Export Insurance Agency (KredEx): It offers credit and export guarantees.
Compliance and records maintain
For export-related documentation, keep it for at least five years. Keep informed of EU trade regulations and destination market requirements changes. Means of declaration of all goods leaving the Union’s customs territory include a customs declaration or other act. Customs clearance of exports is taking longer than usual: it’s due to the war in Ukraine and the sanctions that follow. Goods should be declared for the export customs procedure in good time. (After the export declaration has been lodged, the time limit for the goods to leave the customs territory of the Union is 150 days, Article 248 (2) of Commission Delegated Regulation. (EU) 2015/2446 opens in a new tab)). In the case of exporters, the goods must be confirmed that the goods declared for export did not become subject to sanctions from the moment of the declaration for export. Until they arrive at the customs office of exit and this may result in the prohibition of exit from the customs territory.
If goods produced in another Member State are placed under the export procedure in Estonia. The declarant must at the request of customs submit confirmation from the competent authority of the country of production. The said goods are not sanctioned and can be exported to Russia. The competent authorities of the Member States according to Annex I to Council Regulation (EU) No 833/2014 constitute the list.
Export goods must be declared in the Member State where the exporter is established or where the goods are loaded onboard the means of transport.
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