The European Union has launched Access2Markets - an online info portal to support small and medium-sized enterprises in trade. The portal contains all the necessary information on EU trade agreements, customs duties, product rules and customs procedures related to the EU and over 120 other markets around the world.
The portal can also be used by small and medium enterprises from Serbia. Access2Markets provides easy access to relevant information. Information on customs tariffs, taxes, rules of origin, import and export requirements, trade barriers and customs procedures can be found in just a few clicks.
Who is it for?
Access2Markets is created for companies, business organizations, chambers of commerce, business consulting bodies, such as the European Entrepreneurship Network, export promotion organizations and other entities that work with and advise companies looking for export opportunities or those looking for sources of goods outside the EU.
How does it work?
The portal contains a unique tab for searching the conditions of import and export of individual products, as well as information on trade agreements and arrangements. Product-specific information include customs procedures, legislation, contacts of the competent authorities in each country, etc. The portal is available in 24 EU languages.
What makes this portal special?
On the Access2Markets portal, there is also a self-assessment tool called ROSA, which offers additional help when it comes to the rules that define the "economic nationality" of the product, or "rules of origin." These rules are defined by each trade agreement individually, in order to protect sensitive market sectors, and so that companies can request a reduction or abolition of customs duties in accordance with a specific agreement. Companies can also find information on how EU trade agreements regulate trade in services, investment conditions or participation in public tenders in foreign markets. Annual trade flows from 2002 onwards are also available on the portal.
The Access2Markets portal also offers information on trade conditions and serves as a guide for companies wishing to enter the international market. In addition, companies can report barriers to trade through the portal.
How to access the portal?
The portal is optimized for use on smartphones and tablets and contains many additional, practical features that help companies make the most of EU trade agreements. Of course, using the portal is completely free.