Certification and standards for export determine whether a product may be placed on a given market. Within the single European market, free movement of goods applies, but for many categories – engineering products, electronics, construction products, toys, medical devices – CE marking, a declaration of conformity and technical documentation are required. For exports outside the Union, requirements vary by country, and local certification, translation of documentation or testing at an accredited testing laboratory are often required. The cost and time needed for certification are underestimated and are often the reason why market entry is delayed by months. Part of these costs is usually eligible under export support schemes, which is worth verifying before they are incurred.
See also: Grants for Export and Trade Fairs, Logistics and customs, Accredited Certification Body.
