In today’s interconnected global marketplace, EU importers and exporters must contend with a wide range of customs regulations, tariff measures, and trade-related requirements. Successfully navigating these rules is vital for staying competitive, avoiding penalties, and ensuring a smooth flow of goods across borders.
To assist with these challenges, the European Union has developed two key resources:
TARIC (Integrated Tariff of the European Union) – a comprehensive database of customs duties, product classification codes, and trade-defense measures.
Access2Markets – a user-friendly portal that combines tariff data with practical guidance on import/export procedures, rules of origin, required documentation, and non-tariff barriers.
While these tools are essential for EU-based companies, they are also extremely helpful for non-EU traders seeking to export to or import from the EU.
By consulting TARIC and Access2Markets, businesses can determine the correct product codes, calculate duties, check legal requirements, and learn about potential barriers or facilitation measures in their target markets. Ultimately, staying informed through these databases enables all traders—within or outside the EU—to streamline operations, minimize compliance risks, and seize new opportunities in Europe’s vast and dynamic marketplace.
TARIC
EU Customs Tariff TARIC (Integrated Tariff of the European Union) is the internal EU customs and tariff database, focusing on import/export duties and trade measures within the EU.
What it is: TARIC is the EU’s official integrated database of customs tariffs, commercial measures, and regulations applying to goods imported into and exported from the EU.
Purpose: It is used primarily for the correct classification of products (via TARIC codes) and for determining the customs duties owed, depending on the origin of the goods, as well as any restrictive or trade-defense measures (for instance, anti-dumping duties or quotas).
Scope: It focuses mainly on customs and tariff issues; it is a very technical database designed for customs operators, freight forwarders, public administrations, and businesses that need detailed information on classification and the imposition of customs duties.
Access2Markets is a more comprehensive and user-friendly portal that integrates TARIC data while also offering additional information on rules of origin, export/import procedures, and trade barriers in foreign markets.
What it is: A web portal by the European Commission providing integrated, up-to-date information on international trade, replacing the former “Market Access Database.”
Purpose: While it draws on TARIC data for EU tariff information, it also provides:
Tariff and procedure details for imports/exports to and from third countries.
Rules of origin requirements and necessary documentation.
Non-tariff barriers and sector-specific regulations.
Self-assessment tools (for example, the ROSA tool for rules of origin).
Scope: Designed for a broader audience (businesses, SMEs, industry associations), it offers simplified explanations, guides, and practical resources for exporting from the EU to non-EU countries and for importing into the EU.