Access2Markets: a free online service to facilitate access to international trade

Do you want to export your goods or services abroad and receive guidance regarding the procedures to follow? Do you want to launch as self-employed and import goods from a third country and do you want information on the customs duties that apply and the taxes you have to pay? Are you afraid to trade with the UK in the current climate and in need of reassurance?

The "Access2Markets" platform, made available by the European Commission in October 2020 to help companies with their exports or imports, contains a wealth of information where you will find answers to these questions.

It is aimed at small, medium and large companies established within the European Union.

This free portal provides tools, guides and statistics to help you import or export to or from over 150 markets inside and outside the European Union. It is updated regularly and will allow you to discover the new trade rules in force following the United Kingdom's exit from the European Union and the signing of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement between these two entities in January 2021.

The platform includes:

• Practical guides to help you understand the basics of the import/export process and assess whether you are ready to take the plunge. If you are interested in investing abroad, there is also a section explaining the key concepts you need to know.

• The ROSA (Rules of Origin Self-Assessment) tool, which gives you access to the rules of origin of the goods you want to import or export within the European Union or from or to countries outside the European Union, such as the United Kingdom. Each product traded internationally is effectively linked to a code used by customs to identify it.
  Be aware : the United Kingdom is considered a third country since January 2021. Customs formalities are therefore mandatory (except for Northern Ireland). However, thanks to agreements between the EU and the UK, you will not have to pay customs duties to import items produced in the UK, as long as you have proof of origin. Customs duties will be applied if they were produced in other countries. The same applies to goods produced within the EU and exported to the UK.

• A "Services and Investments" tool, in which you will find information on the requirements you must comply with when exporting your services outside the European Union. You can also consult the list of responsible authorities in third countries. This tool currently only covers the UK and Canada.
   
• Figures for the import and export values of European Union member countries from or to foreign markets for the last 20 years.
   
• The latest updates on customs duties, formalities and taxes to be paid.
   
• A space dedicated to the latest news in the field of trade.
   
• Testimonials from companies that have used this platform. However, it does not yet include testimonials from self-employed people who have taken the plunge in the post-Brexit context.
   
• The EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement and the 69 other trade agreements signed by the European Union and their contents.
   
• A page of contacts and information sources for small and medium-sized businesses. Among other things, businesses will be able to find helpdesks and a platform listing all the fairs and exhibitions organised worldwide.
   
• A complaint form for those who encounter barriers or obstacles to importing or exporting their goods and services.
   
• A tool that always comes in handy: an FAQ

Discover Access2Markets