How to Export Albanian Products to the EU: 2025 Guide

Exporting Albanian products to the European Union (EU) market can be a significant step for Albanian businesses. Here is what you need to know to successfully get started:

• Benefits from the Stabilization and Association Agreement (SAA): Most Albanian agricultural products can be exported without customs duties, with some exceptions (e.g., beef, sugar, and wine).

• EU Regulations: European standards must be adhered to, including the CE mark and regulations on carbon, deforestation, and eco-design.

• Required Documentation: Prepare the export declaration, commercial invoice, and certificate of origin to avoid customs delays.

• Transportation: Choose between road, sea, or air transport based on the product and urgency.

• Financing and support: Utilize EU funds and services from institutions like AIDA and Albanian Customs.

First step: Ensure your products meet EU standards and prepare the necessary documents. Exporting to the EU requires a commitment, but with the right information, success is within reach.

The National Agricultural Scheme Approved/ Denaj: Support for Farmers and Fuel Scheme

EU Trade Rules and Export Requirements

Exporting Albanian products to the European Union market requires full compliance with EU trade rules. These rules are consistent across all member states as the trade policy is an exclusive competence of the European Union[8].

Compliance Rules for Export to the EU

For exporting to the EU, it is essential to be acquainted with three main regulations:

• Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM): This mechanism aims to shield the market from competition by countries with lower environmental standards. Businesses should analyze supply chains and implement accurate data collection systems[6].

• EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR): This requires products to be free from deforestation, including proper due diligence systems to ensure compliance[6].

• Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR): Products must meet ecodesign standards and be accompanied by a Digital Product Passport, ensuring supply chain transparency[6].

Additionally, the correct use of the EU's Combined Nomenclature (CN) for customs tariffs is essential to avoid errors in customs declarations and to ensure a smooth process[6].

Required Licenses and Certifications

Some products require specific licenses and certifications for export to the EU. For instance, pharmaceuticals, food products, and chemicals often demand specialized documentation[1]. Albanian products must be tested and certified by accredited independent bodies[9]. SGS Albania provides certification services to help businesses meet regulatory requirements in international markets[9].

Institutions like the Albanian Investment Development Agency (AIDA) and Albanian Customs offer valuable guidance for product compliance[1]. Utilizing accurate Harmonized System (HS) codes is also crucial to avoid customs delays or additional tariffs[1].

Exporting dual-use items, regulated by Regulation (EU) 2021/821, is another important aspect. In 2022, authorized trade for these items reached over 57.3 billion euros, representing 2% of total exports outside the EU[7]. Businesses must be informed about this regulation and implement protective measures to ensure compliance[7].

Intellectual Property Protection in the EU

Besides technical compliance, safeguarding intellectual property is crucial to maintain the competitive edge of Albanian products in the European market[12]. In the EU, intellectual property rights must be registered and enforced according to local laws[10].

"It is essential that companies understand that intellectual property rights are primarily private rights and the United States Government cannot enforce them for private individuals in the European Union." - U.S. Commercial Service[10]

Copyrights are automatically protected in most European countries upon creation, but registration offers additional proof of ownership[11]. For trademarks and designs, the first-to-file registration system is the primary standard[10].

In June 2023, the Unitary Patent System and the Unified Patent Court were established, allowing companies to obtain and enforce a single patent with uniform protection in several EU member states[10].

Albanian businesses must devise a clear intellectual property strategy to ensure comprehensive protection for their patents, trademarks, copyrights, and designs. Additionally, conducting a thorough intellectual property audit can help identify vulnerabilities and create strong contracts that include non-competition clauses and confidentiality provisions[10].

Recognizing and enforcing these rules is essential for export success in the European market.