According to the latest data provided by the Spanish Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism, Spanish exports reached an all-time high in the first half of the year.by 4.7%.
Since the economic crisis of 2008, as a result of the fall in demand, Spanish companies have found an outlet in the foreign market, significantly increasing their supply. In recent years, one of the main objectives of the European Union has been to make globalisation work and take advantage of the opportunities it can offer.
The European trade regime and the numerous trade agreements negotiated by the EU make it a good region in which to do business. As a result, in recent years, thousands of companies - regardless of their size - have embarked on the adventure of exporting to neighbouring countries. But what are the steps to take to export to the European Union?
Before taking the decision to export to other European countries, as recommended by the European Commission itself, it is necessary to follow a series of steps and recommendations. Structuring, analysis and foresight are three key points to achieve success in an internationalisation process.
1.- Analysing the current situation and setting the objectives
Analysing the situation of the company, its objectives and information on the product(s) to be exported is the first step to be taken. This is the only way to understand what is expected and whether or not it is feasible.
In this context, the European Commission recommends that companies themselves ask themselves questions, such as whether the product is already successful in their domestic or international market; whether sufficient human resources are available; or whether a comprehensive financial and business plan with clearly defined export objectives is in place.
In the absence of such a plan, its elaboration becomes an essential task, as it will allow strategies to be defined with sufficient time to make decisions.
2.- Analyse the different markets and choose the country of destination.
After having asked the right questions and drawn up the financial and commercial plan, it will be necessary to identify the market. To identify the market or markets you want to enter, it is advisable to consult the statistics and reports published periodically by official bodies, such as the Ministry of Industry.
This type of information makes it possible to find out which EU countries have the highest number of imports, as well as the evolution of the markets. On this basis, it will be easier to decide where to go.
In order to make the right decision, it is advisable to examine whether there is demand for the product to be exported and to analyse whether the product would be competitive in the export market.
3.- Find a buyer for the product.
Once the country of export has been decided, a buyer must be found with whom to work and to whom to send the products. It will also be necessary to determine the requirements for the buyer, e.g. product licences.
According to the European Commission, "since the buyer is usually the importer and assumes responsibility for the introduction of his product into the country of destination and its market, his qualification for this role is of vital importance".
Potential buyers can be reached with the help of the various chambers of commerce, as well as through trade fairs and networking events.
4.- Check the export conditions
The decision to export requires a significant investment in time and research, as there are many conditions and requirements that must be met to avoid problems in the future.
At this point, it is necessary to find out about important aspects such as the best way to export (which may vary depending on the interests and size of the company); whether the requirements to become an exporter are met; what steps to follow to register as an exporter; whether there are certain trade agreements depending on the country to which you are going to export; and what restrictions exist, among others.
5.- Logistics management
The management of logistics and transport of goods is one of the most important points to take into account during the internationalisation process. Making the right decisions in this matter is essential for the export to be a success.
It is important to take into account the responsibilities of each party involved in an export and import transaction, which are set out in the contractual agreement. That is, there are a number of responsibilities to be assumed by the exporting company, and there are other responsibilities to be assumed by the buyer.
In order to choose the right transport company, it is necessary to analyse and ensure that it has the right infrastructure to meet your needs. This is the only way to guarantee that agreements and delivery times will be met.
It is best to work with companies that can cover all the needs that may arise throughout the export process, as well as solve any kind of problem that may arise. At In Side Logisticswe are a logistics partner that provides integral solutions adapted to each client, providing knowledge and technology throughout the logistics chain.
6.- Prepare all documentation
Once the previous steps have been taken, in order to advance in the export process, it is necessary to focus a great deal of effort on the preparation of all the documentation. This process is divided into two parts, since, on the one hand, it is necessary to prepare the documentation for export clearance in the European Union and, on the other hand, the documentation for import clearance in the country of destination.
According to the official recommendations of the European Commission, it should not be forgotten that some of the documents that are prepared for export will also be used for import, so that all relevant requirements should be taken into account when preparing them and, if necessary, adaptations should be made.
Invoices and transport documents; VAT registrations; certificates; or licences are some of the documents that will be required by Customs.
