When importing or exporting goods into Europe, compliance with customs regulations is as important as knowing the duty and tax rates. Each product, identified by its tariff code (also known as HS code or Harmonised System number), is subject to specific rules that can include product standards, import restrictions, documentation requirements, and safety certifications. These rules can vary between EU member states and non-EU European countries.

First things first, you need to identify your tariff code.

If you are a first-time exporter and simply want to double-check your code, you can use this Tariff Lookup guide to view a comprehensive list of codes and their corresponding product descriptions. Be careful of assigning the code yourself, as the rules around accurate determination can be tricky at times, and if you make a mistake, you will not find the correct import taxes and product regulations. Therefore, we always advise having your tariff or HS code checked by a professional.

Knowing the correct tariff code allows you to:

• Determine customs duty rates.
• Identify non-tariff measures such as:
  • Product standards and certifications that may be required
  • Import/export licenses or permits that may be required
  • Quotas or restrictions.
  • Sanitary/phytosanitary requirements.
  • Labelling rules.

Looking up product regulations on European Customs Databases

Once you are certain that you have the correct tariff code, you can look up applicable product regulations and restrictions on the Customs Database of the destination country. In the search field you will need to insert your product’s tariff code and, generally, also the country of origin. Some databases have a lookup function to enable you to click on the correct product in their tariff book. There will be a search button, and the database typically pulls up all regulations associated with that product that is listed in the tariff book. Below are the links to the Customs databases for the European Countries.

For the European Union:

The two tools provided by the European Commission that you can use are the EU TARIC (Integrated Tariff of the European Union) database and the Access2Markets portal.

The EU TARIC database provides information on:

• duty rates,
• non-tariff measures: (prohibitions, licensing requirements, safety standards, environmental rules) and
• reference to EU legislation affecting the product.

The Access2Markets portal by the European Commission combines tariff lookups with market requirements. It provides: Regulatory requirements for goods.

• Certificates needed for customs clearance.
• Labelling rules.
• Trade agreement benefits.

For the United Kingdom

Since Brexit, the UK uses its own tariff system:

• UK Global Tariff: https://www.trade-tariff.service.gov.uk/
• Provides duty rates, import measures, licensing requirements, and product regulations.

For Norway

• Norwegian Customs Tariff: https://tolltariffen.toll.no/
• Includes HS code duties, import restrictions, and regulatory requirements.

For Switzerland

• Tares (Swiss Customs Tariff): https:// xtares.admin.ch/
• Provides tariff rates, permits, and product conformity requirements.

For Iceland

• Iceland Customs Tariff: https://www.skatturinn.is/english/
• Includes tariff rates and import licensing rules.

For Turkey

• Turkish Customs Tariff: https://www.trade.gov.tr/ (Customs Tariff Schedule section).
• Contains import measures, licensing, and product conformity obligations.

Additional key resources for EU product compliance

European Commission CE Marking Portal

Many products (electronics, toys, medical devices) must meet CE marking requirements before being sold in the EU. This signifies that the product has been assessed to meet high safety, health, and environmental protection requirements.

EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Database

For food, plants, and animal products, you can review the safety regulations here: https://food.ec.europa.eu/food-safety_en

Conclusion

By using official databases like TARIC, Access2Markets, and national customs portals, you can identify not only the taxes but also the legal and technical rules that apply to your products. Accurate tariff code classification is your first step; thereafter, you can look up the non-tariff measures required to get your product through customs and into the market you intend for it. Understanding all the regulations for your product can be complex, while it is good to do your own research, we do recommend having a Customs professional confirm that you are meeting all the requirements before you export.