Export to Portugal - Fedex

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Portugal Country Profile

* Country Information
* Trade Group Member
* General Import Clearance Information
* Portugal Import Prohibitions
* General Import Restrictions
* Portugal Import Restrictions
* Special Import Provisions
o Personal Effects
o Samples
o Gifts
* Standards
* General Export Clearance Information
* Portugal Export Prohibitions
* General Export Restrictions
* Portugal Export Restrictions
* Regulatory Contact Information

Country Information
Capital: Lisbon
Population: 10,642,836 (July 2007 est.)
Language: Portuguese is the official language of Portugal. Many businessmen speak English.
Weights and Measures: Metric
Currency: Euro
Time Zone Time Zone: Central European Time (CET) Daylight Savings Time is valid from the end of March.



Trade Group Member

Portugal is a member of a number of international economic organizations including the:

European Union
Since 1957, the European Union allows for the free movement of goods between Portugal and the other member states: Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and United Kingdom. The European Union has numerous bilateral and multilateral agreements, such as the Agreement on Textiles and Clothing (formerly the Multi-Fiber Agreement), PECO countries Agreement, Israel Agreement, Turkey Agreement, Baltic Sea countries Agreement, European Free Trade Association (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland). All these agreements are grouped under the umbrella of the World Trade Organization (WTO). All agreements ratified by European Union Executive Commission automatically apply to all EU member states. Exemption or reduced tariff is applicable only to qualified members under the agreement as originating goods.

World Trade Organization
Established in 1995, the WTO has a membership of over 140 countries. It is the only global international organization dealing with the rules of trade between nations. At its heart are the WTO agreements, negotiated and signed by the bulk of the world's trading nations and ratified in their parliaments. The goal is to help producers of goods and services, exporters and importers conduct their business.

World Customs Organization
The WCO aids the national economic wealth and social protection of its members by promoting honest, transparent and predictable Customs. Established in 1952 as the Customs Co-operation Council, the WCO is an independent intergovernmental body whose mission is to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of Customs administrations. The WCO is the only intergovernmental worldwide organization competent in Customs matters.

Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons
The mission of OPCW is to implement the provisions of the Chemical Weapons Convention in order to achieve the OPCW's vision of a world free of chemical weapons, and a world in which co-operation in chemistry for peaceful purposes for all is fostered. In doing this, their ultimate aim is to contribute to international security and stability: general and complete disarmament; and global and economic development.

Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna
CITES entered into force on 1975 and now has a membership of 152 countries. These countries act by banning commercial international trade in an agreed list of endangered species and by regulating and monitoring trade in others that might become endangered.

Montreal Protocol
The Montreal Protocol on substances that deplete the ozone layer is a landmark international agreement designed to protect the stratospheric ozone layer. The treaty was originally signed in 1987 and stipulates that the production and consumption of compounds that deplete ozone in the stratosphere are to be phased out.

Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development
The OECD groups 30 countries in an organization that, most importantly, provides governments a setting in which to discuss, develop and perfect economic and social policy. They compare experiences; seek answers to common problems; and work to co-ordinate domestic and international policies that increasingly, in today's global economy, must form a web of even practice across nations.

Wassenaar Arrangement
Established in order to contribute to regional and international security and stability by promoting transparency and greater responsibility in transfers of conventional arms and dual use goods and technologies, thus preventing destabilizing accumulations. Participating states, Portugal included, will seek, through their national policies, to ensure that transfers of theses items do not contribute to the development or enhancement of military capabilities, which undermine these goals, and are not diverted to support such capabilities.




General Import Clearance Information

Clearance Process
Working with Customs officials throughout the world, FedEx has developed innovative technology to eliminate many steps of the paperwork-handling process and expedite the movement of international shipments. An example in China is the FedEx Expressclear Electronic Customs clearance system. Starting at the origin location, state-of-the-art technology allows the processing of shipment paperwork and electronic transmission of documents to the designated FedEx hub and destination clearance location. The Expressclear system also keeps a database of regulatory information, which includes; importers' numbers, broker designations, corporate contact names and telephone numbers. At a FedEx hub, international shipments are sorted, scanned and loaded onto an international flight. Vital shipment information is keyed into a worldwide manifest database, which is linked to computer systems operated by brokers and Customs officials in many countries. Even before the plane has taken off, or while it is in the air, Customs agents and brokers at the destination airport of entry can begin examining shipping manifests, querying air waybill data if they need more details, assessing duties and taxes and selecting the shipments they wish to examine. By the time the plane arrives at its destination, many packages have already been cleared by Customs. As the plane is unloaded, the Expressclear system identifies packages to be examined and prints "cleared" Customs labels for all others. Cleared shipments are transferred to trucks for immediate delivery. International shipments are scanned at all key points throughout the process, and this allows for up-to-date status reports including when Customs clearance is obtained.

Portugal, like most member states of the European Community, bases its Harmonized Tariff Schedule on the TARIC (Integrated Tariff of the European Community) which is issued by the Commission and the Member States for the purpose of applying Community measures relating to import and exports, and-when necessary- to trade between member sates. The TARIC also serves as a basis for the working tariffs and tariff file of Portugal and other Member States.

Portuguese customs values shipments at C.I.F. prices. Import duty rates are divided into two classifications: Most Favored Nation (MFN) and General. Import duties are calculated on ad valorem basis, i.e. expressed as a percentage of the value of the imported goods. There are three primary entry types for importing into Portugal:

1. Standard clearance procedure

2. Simplified clearance procedure

3. Simplified declaration procedure

The first two procedures apply to all shipments regardless of value; the third one applies to shipments of commercial samples or gifts below 45 EURO and/or to negligible value shipments below 22 EURO and provides Duty and Tax relief.

Tobacco, drugs, medicines, weapons and their parts, strategic materials and their parts, CITES commodities, alcohol and all other licensable commodities cannot be processed under the simplified declaration procedure.

Imported goods are not legally entered until after the shipment has been released by Portuguese Customs. Portugal Customs may pull any shipment at any time for review or investigation, which could result in clearance/delivery delays. NOTE: In addition to the Customs Department, importers should contact other agencies when questions regarding particular commodities arise. For example, questions about textile products should be forwarded to the General Directorate of Commerce and Competition (DGCC).

The Importer of Record or a licensed Customs Broker may account for goods. According to the Importer of Record's profile FedEx GTS Portugal will either provide notification upon arrival of shipments to the Importer's designated Customs Broker or clear and advance payment of any duties and taxes levied for the shipments on behalf of the importer.

Note: A Customs (entry and payment processing) account can be established at any customs office and by the importer himself for his shipments or by FedEx for all its customers. Currently only FedEx's account is being used. An air waybill may be used for qualifying standard clearance procedure merchandise (samples and low value shipments) arriving by air, but all other merchandise must be presented with a commercial invoice that contains all the data requirements of Portuguese Customs Department.

Goods may be transported in-bond to another point of entry for clearance by re-manifesting (infrequent) to that location, by using house air waybills or by using T docs (EU transit system). A bonded carrier is required to transport the shipment from the point of arrival to point of clearance. Arrangements for transporting the merchandise to an interior point in-bond may be made by the consignee, by the customs broker or by any other person having sufficient interest in the goods for that purpose.

If it is desired to postpone the release of the goods, they may be placed in FedEx's cage in a bonded warehouse until the documentation has been obtained for appropriate release. If the goods are not released from Customs within 5 days, they are reported to the Customs Office warehouse and abandoned or sent back to the origin at shipper's expense.

Document Requirements
Certain products require special documents: food products need a certificate of health in Portuguese; electric materials and construction equipment/machinery need a certificate of conformity to EU directives; grapes, alcoholic beverages and tobacco need a certificate of authenticity. Certificates of origin may also be required if the origin can in any way be attributed to a country subject to quantitative or other restrictions

Importers apply for import licenses at the General Directorate of Commerce and Competition (DGCC) or the respective agency that controls the commodity. A commercial invoice that includes freight and insurance, the C.I.F. price, net and gross weight, and an invoice number must accompany the license application. Customs accepts commercial invoices by fax. The license, once granted, is normally valid for six months but may be extended if adequate justification is provided.

Goods that are shipped to a Portuguese customs area without proper import licenses or declarations are usually subject to considerable delay and may run up substantial demurrage charges. Prior to making shipments, exporters should ensure that the importer has obtained the necessary licenses.

Sanitary Certificates - Animal and Plant Health Inspections certificates may be required for the importation of living plant material, including plants, plant products and seeds. Health inspection requirements also govern the importation of animals and parts of animals, including meat products, skins, hides and similar products, marine mammals, fish, crustaceans, or mollusks and parts thereof. Most of these certificates are obtained by providing the proper documentation to the Minist»rio da Agricultura, Desenvolvimento Rural e Pescas (MADRP), (Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Fisheries).

Pharmaceutical Certificates - These certificates are required by Portugese Customs for drugs and certain sanitary items. A standard analysis bulletin issued by the manufacturer, listing the product composition, is acceptable for customs purposes.

Bills of Lading - No special regulations

Certificates of Origin - Certificates of Origin are required for the importation of any Textile products valued at over 45 Euro. Exceptions from this requirement include marked and mutilated samples; luggage made up of textile materials, canvas bags, and bona-fide gifts, personal effects. A Certificate of Origin is recommended to be provided for every commodity subject to import licensing and /or quota restrictions from some origin countries and is required for all textile products imported into Portugal that originate in Hong Kong, Macao, or Singapore regardless of the value.

Certificate of Origin Form A - A Certificate of Origin Form A may be required for goods under formal entry claiming preferential duty or exemption under the various agreements of Generalized System of Preferences. It should be produced at the time of entry and must be in the possession of the Importer at the time of entry. Origin of the goods must be detailed on the commercial invoice.

EUR 1 Form Import - An EUR 1 form may be required for goods under formal entry claiming preferential duty or exemption under various bilateral agreements by the European Union countries and some specific countries or groups of countries. It should be produced at the time of entry and must be in possession of the Importer at the time of entry. Origin of the goods must be detailed on the commercial invoice.

EUR 1 Form Export - An EUR 1 form may be compiled exporters from the European Union to some countries to claim preferential duty or exemption under the various agreements as per the above paragraph.

Quotas - Quotas have been assigned by the European Union to specific countries for specific products, which allow for the controlled importation of specific products.

Commercial Invoices - Invoices are required for all dutiable shipments relating to commercial transactions between companies and companies; companies and individuals, regardless of the value. Commercial invoices should show freight, insurance and similar charges as separate items when applicable, regardless of the INCOTERM used on the transaction. It must be in Portuguese for export shipments or accompanied by a translation. It can be in any official language for import shipments and, if required by customs, must be accompanied by a translation. A party, who is knowledgeable of the transaction, must furnish translation, if requested.

Specific invoice details are required for a number of commodities including the following:

* Textiles - The fabric breakdown, whether knit or woven and, for clothing articles, the gender;

* Marked/mutilated samples - The words "mutilated samples" or "marked samples, not for resale" as applicable;

* Software on CD's and floppy disks - The value of software must be shown separately from software support.

Dangerous Goods Certification - Some goods will, in addition to the standard documentation noted above, require DG certification. (ie: perfumes, liquor, chemicals, etc.)

Air Waybill - An air waybill or carriers certificate (naming the consignee for customs purposes) is required as evidence of the consignee's right to make entry.

Declaration of Antiquity - A declaration must be shown on the invoice for goods over 100 years old. The statement must include the words "circa date" followed by the year of manufacture whether known or estimated.

Free Trade Zones/Warehouses
There are no official free-trade zones in Portugal. However, there are free depots and duty-free zones in Madeira and Santa Maria.

Madeira: The Madeira's International Business Center includes an Industrial Free Zone (41 licensed firms), a Financial Services Center (43 licensed bank branches), an International Services Center (2,833 licensed firms) and an International Shipping register (148 licensed firms). Madeira offers exemptions from corporate or individual income tax on licensed companies through the year 2011. It also offers grants of up to 100% of employee training costs and up to 50% of the cost of energy-saving changes in production measures. The Free Zone offers total exemption from customs duties on goods and raw materials imported into the zone; exemption from quotas on exports to the EU of goods produced in the zone; no payment of EU duties on local value-added; and no payment of EU duties on products incorporating EU raw materials and components. Foreign-owned firms have the same opportunities as domestic firms.

Azores: The Azores has established a Free Trade Zone on the island of Santa Maria with tax and financial incentives. Bonded warehouses: Foreign products may be entered into Portugal and be stored in bonded warehouses duty-free for an unlimited period of time. There are five types of bonded warehouses depending on its public or private nature and whether its management is endorsed by the Customs authorities or by private entities (established in the territory of the EU). In some bonded warehouses it is possible to do some handling, assembling and or manufacturing of the stored goods.

Customs Valuation
All goods categorized, as non-document commercial goods shipped to Portugal must have a proper value declared and proper description provided which should convey the shipper's intent related to the goods as well as any special processing requirements that exist for the goods shipped. Everything has a value, whether or not a transaction took place. Failure to properly document value of any goods will result in delays and or additional fees as deemed necessary in addition to warehouse fees.

Members of the European Union adhere to Article VII of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade concerning customs valuation. There are five methods for the determination of customs valuation in descending order of application. The first states that customs valuation is the transaction value, i.e., the price that is actually paid or payable for the goods by foreign importers, plus certain costs and expenses; for the transaction value to be acceptable, certain conditions must be met, notably that the buyer and seller be unrelated. If the first method is rejected by Customs, other means may be adopted to establish customs value as follows: transaction value of identical goods; transaction value of similar goods; deductive method, i.e., the resale price, less such costs as customs duties, taxes, and commissions; and computed value, utilizing costs of production, profit, and other expenses. The agreement further provides for customs valuation based on either FOB or CIF value. Other areas are covered, such as rapidity of clearance of goods, currency convertibility, appeal privileges and rights, and publication of laws and regulations.

Import Duties
Portuguese Customs values shipments at C.I.F. prices. Import duty rates are divided into two classifications: Most Favored Nation (MFN) and General. Import duties are calculated on ad valorem basis, i.e. expressed as a percentage of the value of the imported goods.

Most imports enter under MFN Rates (Most Favored Nation) rates. The Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) lays out the rules for the utilization of preferential duties granted for imports from developing countries. Furthermore, the EU has entered a number of agreements with European and overseas countries which provide for preferential customs treatment of certain products of those countries. In order to be able to benefit from these lower tariff rates the goods have to be accompanied by certificates of origin as set forth in the agreements.

Relative high tariffs apply to textile, automobile, consumer electronics, cereal, meat, dairy, sugar, alcohol, and tobacco.

In addition to duties, goods imported into Portugal are also subject to a value-added Tax (VAT) which is generally charged at one of three rates:

1. The standard rate of 17% applicable to most manufactured goods

2. The reduced rate of 12%, applicable mostly to applied to the sale and imports of human or animal foodstuffs, water, agricultural chemicals, pharmaceuticals for animal use, medical and health products, mopeds, personal dwellings, hotel and restaurant services, transportation services, agricultural services, street cleaning services, entertainment services, building and construction services, medical services and funeral services.

3. The reduce rate of 5% applicable bread, dairy products, eggs, fruits and vegetables, books and newspapers, pharmaceuticals for human use, vehicles and medical items for handicapped people and vehicles for public transportation.

Excise duty rates may also be applicable on certain items such as alcohol and tobacco. For further information, please contact the Direccao-geral das Alfandegas, Ministerio das Financas (Directorate-General of Customs of the Ministry of Finance(DGCC)) at http://www.dgaiec.min-financas.pt.

Antidumping
Under strict enforcement of unfair trade laws, Customs will assess antidumping duties or countervailing duties. Antidumping duties are assessed on imported merchandise sold in Portugal (EU) at less than the normal price of goods in the manufacturer's home market (also called fair market value).

Excise Duties
Excise taxes are assessed against certain commodities, which are normally identified as "luxury" goods. The excise tax is normally assessed against tobacco products, perfumes and alcohol products but can also be assessed against other goods as deemed by Portuguese regulations.

Additional Duties
Countervailing
Countervailing duties are assessed to counter the effects of subsidies provided by a foreign government for merchandise exported to Portugal resulting in artificially low prices that are detrimental to Portuguese and other European Union member states industries.

Watch Duty Rate
Watches imported into Portugal are subject to classification and duty assessment based on a per item basis. The actual duty and the final rate of duty are determined based on the classification of the watch at the time of entry processing with customs.

Import Taxes
A Value-Added Tax (VAT) is in effect on domestic and imported goods. The following items may be exempt from the value-added tax: essential food products, newspapers, magazines, books, agricultural inputs such as seeds and fertilizers, tools and machinery, pharmaceutical products, and prosthetic devices.

A valid consignee's VAT number is required for Customs formal entries.

Luxury goods, such as spirits, furs, jewelry, electronic games, guns, gourmet foods, and perfumes are taxed at the luxury rate. All other items are taxed at the standard rate. European Council directive defines the basic concepts relating to the value-added tax, including what persons, transactions, and events are to be taxed; how the tax is to be applied; and the amount to be taxed. The alignment of rates and the eventual breakdown of tax frontiers within the Union remain long-term objectives.

Customs Fees
Invoice Fee
Customs in some situations will assess additional fees based on the invoices provided for a shipment. The fee is usually levied if they deem them necessary as part of the terms of entry due to the size of the shipment and the related large number of invoices provided by the shipper for his goods.

Examination Fees
Additional fees can be assessed on some commodities to cover the expense of performing the examinations and or testing required as a condition of the goods entry into the commerce of Portugal. Commodities affected: cosmetics, drugs and medicines, artwork.

Fines and Penalties
Portuguese customs legislation stipulates numerous penalties for infractions of regulations. Among the penalties are those imposed for lack of appropriate documentation or for omissions on documents. The importer is responsible for the payment of the fines. If the practice of dumping results or is likely to result in serious losses to Portuguese producers or in delays to the installation of a new line of production in Portugal, the commodity in question may become subject to antidumping duty amounting to no more than the margin of dumping.

Similarly, if the concession of foreign government subsidies results or is likely to result in the above-mentioned injuries, the commodity in question may become subject to compensatory duty amounting to no more than the amount of the subsidy granted. Portuguese producers may request their government to investigate cases in which they feel they are being injured because of dumping or subsidies.

Exchange Controls
There are no foreign exchange controls.

Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT's)
Technical barriers or non-tariff barriers to trade, as they are sometimes known, can cause many problems for exporters looking for new markets for their products. These barriers can be in the form of regulations, standards, testing and certification procedures. The World Trade Organization (WTO) Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade tries to ensure that these barriers do not create unnecessary obstacles. To obtain further information on Technical Barriers to Trade as well as Notifications on technical regulations and conformity assessment procedures, go to the WTO website at http://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/tbt_e/tbt_e.htm

Consular Fees
There are no consular fees for Portugal.





Portugal Import Prohibitions

The following commodities are prohibited into Portugal:

*
Atlantic red tuna fish (Thunnus Thynnus) originating from Belize, Panama, and Honduras
* Toys and games containing copper sulfate
* Items having a flexible metal blade entirely contained in a plastic, paper, or fabric sheath
* Illicit Narcotics and Drugs
* All forms of asbestos fibers
* L-trytophane and any items having L-trytophane as an ingredient
* Rubber erasers that are similar in appearance to food products that are easily ingested
* Medical thermometers containing mercury intended for human consumption
* Certain U.S. Beef hormones
* Dangerous Goods as defined by IATA (Intl. Air Transport Association)




General Import Restrictions

The following items are not acceptable for carriage to any international destinations unless otherwise indicated. (Additional restrictions may apply depending on destination. Various regulatory clearances in addition to customs clearance may be required for certain commodities, thereby extending the transit time.)

* APO/FPO addresses.

* C.O.D. shipments.

* Human corpses, human organs or body parts, human and animal embryos, or cremated or disinterred human remains.

* Explosives (Class 1.4 explosives are acceptable for carriage to Canada, Germany, Japan, Sweden, United Arab Emirates and United Kingdom. Note: United Arab Emirates only allows Class 1.4 explosives to be shipped hold- for- pick-up to the FedEx Express facility in Dubai.)

* Firearms, weaponry, and their parts (acceptable between the U.S. and Puerto Rico).

* Perishable foodstuffs and foods and beverages requiring refrigeration or other environmental control.

* Live animals (including insects) except via our Live Animal Desk (1.800.405.9052).

* Plants and plant material, including cut flowers (cut flowers are acceptable from the U.S. to selected points in Canada and from Colombia, Ecuador and the Netherlands to the U.S.).

* Lottery tickets and gambling devices where prohibited by local, state, provincial or national law.

* Money (coins, cash, currency, paper money and negotiable instruments equivalent to cash such as endorsed stocks, bonds and cash letters).

* Collectible coins and stamps.

* Pornographic and/or obscene material.

* Hazardous waste, including, but not limited to, used hypodermic needles or syringes or other medical waste.

* Shipments that may cause damage to, or delay of, equipment, personnel or other shipments.

* Shipments that require us to obtain any special license or permit for transportation, importation or exportation.

* Shipments whose carriage, importation or exportation is prohibited by any law, statute or regulation.

* Shipments with a declared value for customs in excess of that permitted for a specific destination.

* Dangerous goods except as permitted under the Dangerous Goods section of these terms and conditions.

* Processed or unprocessed dead animals, including insects and pets. Taxidermy-finished hunting trophies or completely processed (dried) specimens of whole animals or parts of animals are acceptable for shipment into the U.S.

* Packages that are wet, leaking or emit an odor of any kind.

* Wildlife products that require U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service export clearance by FedEx prior to exportation from the U.S.

* Shipments* being processed under:

Duty drawback claims unless advance arrangements are made.

Temporary Import Bonds - acceptable under the FedEx International Broker Select option, for initial import only.

U.S. State Department licenses.

Carnets.

U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration export permit.

Shipments destined to or being withdrawn from a Foreign Trade Zone.

Letters of Credit (however, shipments covered by a Letter of Credit calling for a "Courier Receipt" as defined by Article 25 of UCP 600 may move via FedEx International Priority).

Certificate of Registration shipments (CF4455).

Shipments moving into or out of Foreign Trade Zones or bonded warehouses.

*You may be able to ship these items via FedEx International Premium, FedEx International Express Freight (IXF), FedEx International Airport-to-Airport (ATA) or FedEx International Controlled Export. For information on FedEx International Premium, IXF and ITA, call FedEx Express Freight Services at 1.800.332.0807. For information on FedEx International Controlled Export, call International Customer Service at 1.800.247.4747or your local FedEx customer service representative.






Portugal Restrictions

The importation of certain classes of merchandise may be prohibited or restricted to protect the economy and security of Portugal and other EU member states, to safeguard consumer health, well being, and to preserve domestic plant and animal life. Some commodities are also subject to an import quota or a restraint under bilateral trade agreements and arrangements. In addition to Customs requirements, many prohibited or restricted imports are subject to laws and regulations administered by other Portuguese Government agencies for which the Portuguese Customs Department is the enforcer. These laws and regulations may, for example, prohibit entry; limit entry to certain points; restrict routing, storage, use; require treatment, labeling or processing as condition of release. Customs release only takes place when the additional requirements are met. These requirements apply to all importation types, including shipments made by mail. The exporter should make certain that the Portuguese importer has provided proper information to (1) permit the submission of necessary information concerning packing, labeling, etc. and (2) ensure that necessary arrangements have been made by the importer for entry of the merchandise into Portugal.



The following commodities are prohibited via FedEx International Priority (IP) services into Portugal. However, you may be able to use another FedEx service for shipping these items. For additional shipping options, please contact your local FedEx customer service representative.

*
Dangerous Goods
* Drugs, non-prescription
* Drugs, prescription
* Farming pesticides
* Tobacco
* Personal Effects
* Shipments for shipping vessels in transit in Portugal



Special Import Provisions

Food Products
The importation of food products containing meat or milk products for personal consumption is prohibited unless accompanied by the necessary documentation from the official veterinary services of the country of origin. Infant milk, infant food and special foods required for medical reasons can be imported under the condition that these products do not require refrigeration before opening, that they are packaged proprietary brand products for direct sale to the final consumer, and that the packaging is unbroken.

Foreign trade policy is formulated and implemented by the Ministry of Trade and Tourism. The Direccao-Geral do Comercio in this ministry is responsible for administering trade controls and for issuing import licenses, declarations, and certificates, when required.

As a general rule, goods may be imported freely. Some goods such as steel products and some textiles and clothing are under EU surveillance and require import declarations for statistical purposes. These declarations are valid for six months for customs clearance purposed. Other goods are restricted by licensing or prohibition for reasons of health, public order, and the prevention of commercial fraud. Agricultural products covered by the EU agricultural policy may require an import certificate; import of strategic or dual use products (products that may be used for military or civilian purposes) may also require an import certificate and/or certificate of delivery. A few industrial products are subject to restrictions only when they originate from certain third countries.

Temporary Imports: Including Repaired Articles or Articles for Repair
Articles consigned for temporary import traveling under Carnets, goods for display, goods for demonstration, goods for exhibition, goods for repair, goods for incorporation into other articles and goods imported for further processing and re-export are not acceptable for importation into Portugal via FedEx IP Service. These articles require special processing and customs clearance, which are not handled under the express carrier operation commitments. Clearance delays could be experienced on entries lodged for these types of shipments.

Personal Effects
Personal belongings of Portuguese (EU) citizen residents are entitled entry free of duty. Personal belongings taken abroad, such as worn clothing, etc. may be shipped back to Portugal and receive free entry provided they have not been altered or repaired while abroad and prior ownership can be proven. The shipping documents should be clearly marked "Portuguese Goods Returned" with the reason why clearly stated and with the goods identified as personal effects.

Items such laptops watches PC's, cameras, tape recorders, Camcorders, video players, CD and DVD players or other articles that may be uniquely identifiable by serial number or permanently affixed marking, should be documented on owner declaration at the Customs Office at the port of exit, at the time of export or when physically carried abroad. This declaration will expedite free entry of these items upon return. The declaration is valid for any future trips as long as the information on it remains legible. Registration must be made in person.

Samples
Samples may qualify for duty free entry if:

* They are of negligible value (EUR 45 or less),

* They are for solicitation of orders for the goods of the kind represented by the sample,

* There is not more than one sample of each style or quality in a consignment,

* The goods are supplied directly from abroad,

* They will be consumed or destroyed during demonstration and are packaged and properly marked in a manner which precludes their being used as other than samples. (ie: foodstuffs, non alcoholic beverages, perfumes and chemical products)

Samples imported into Portugal are subject to the same documentation requirements that apply to ordinary commercial shipments and require a value for customs declaration purposes on the shipping documents or commercial invoices. Some samples of a commercial value may enter Portugal and be free of duties and taxes if a bond or deposit of the total amount of duties and taxes is arranged. These samples must be re-exported within one year in order to recoup the deposit.

Samples of accepted commodities are limited to 22 Euro, if the shipment is business to business and 45 Euro, if the shipment is individual to individual.

Designer Samples (Textiles)
Apparel manufacturers importing samples of apparel for the manufacturing of similar goods in Portugal may bring one sample of each style duty free into Portugal. A shipment may contain several different samples, as long as there is only one sample of each kind. In order to enforce this condition, Customs requires that the style number of each sample appear on the commercial documents. The commercial invoice must contain in the product description the intent of the shipper that the goods are intended as samples. Failing to provide this information clearly will result in normal consumption entry with duty and taxes assessed.

Gifts
Gift shipments are acceptable. Duty/Tax free entry allowed for gifts valued up to $30 USD (33 EUR), at the same time limited to 11lbs (5kgs) and clearly identified on Air waybill and Invoice as "Unsolicited Gift". The shipment must be shipped from one private individual to another private individual and should not contain tobacco, liquor, coffee, tea, oil, and meat or poultry products.

Casual donations sent by people abroad to friends in Portugal, or imported personally by persons who are not residents of Portugal, as gift for friends are not subject to duty or taxes.

Gift shipments are limited to a maximum of 45 EURO. Advertising matter, tobacco, alcoholic beverages, perfumes, coffee, tea and software are excluded from the gift provisions.

Articles consigned as "Unsolicited gifts" are acceptable and will be allowed entry free of any duty or VAT providing the shipment is valued at less than 45 EURO originated from and consigned to an individual, and are individually wrapped. Multiple gifts can be consigned in one shipment so long as the individual parcels enclosed are individually tagged with the recipients name, are individually wrapped and the value does not exceed the per person limit of 45 EURO. Shipments consigned to companies as gifts for an individual may be denied entry as gifts and will be subject to full duty and VAT. Generally, most articles can be consigned as gifts, except those articles noted prohibited or restricted for import (see General Import Prohibitions and Restrictions).




Standards

Portugal has established specific certification for certain products. This "homologation" involves cumbersome product testing by approved laboratories. However, a product that meets the standards and certification requirements of any other EU country can be imported and sold in Portugal without further testing. Portuguese homologation requirements remain in force for computer keyboards and screens, dot matrix printers, teleprinters, medical equipment, electric typewriters, telecommunications equipment, motor vehicles, bicycles, pleasure boats, gas connectors, etc.

Portugal uses NP EN ISO 9000 Standards, which are equivalent to ISO 9000 standards. Exporters must demonstrate through a certifying entity that the products offered meet equivalent quality standards. On July 2, 1983 the legal framework for the "Portuguese Quality System" was established to monitor quality methods in Portugal. The "Portuguese Quality System" is organized in three areas: metrology, normalization, and qualification. The IPQ (Portuguese Institute for Quality) certifies standards in Portugal and is one of the entities responsible for the "Portuguese Quality System".

Portugal allows the entry of used equipment, material and goods. However, they are subject to the same standards concerning safety as apply to any new import. Additionally, there may exist regulations specific to the particular type of equipment, such as computers and peripherals that is being imported.

Several EU Directives are imposed on the electrical and electronic appliances, which govern standards on electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), low voltage (safety of electrical equipment); energy labeling of household lamps; and gas appliances, etc.

The Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Directive requires that all electrical and electronic products to be sold in the EU market must not emit electromagnetic disturbance exceeding certain maximum levels, and must be of adequate levels of immunity to such disturbance.

The EU new Directive (98/101/EC) limits the content of mercury in batteries and accumulators imported into the European market from 1 January 2000. Regulated batteries and accumulators cannot contain more than 0.0005% by weight of mercury. The limitation of cadmium and lead remains the same as 91/157/EEC.

Imports of telecommunication products must be approved by British Approval Broad of Telecommunications (BABT) in UK and Federal Approvals Office for Telecommunications(Bundesamt fur Zulassungen in der Telekommunikation, BZT) in Germany.

The EU directive 92/75/EEC on the energy labeling of household electric refrigerators, freezers and their combinations, household washing machines, household electric tumble dryers, combined washer-dryers, and dishwashers household lamps.

Criteria for Eco-label for personal computer are: energy savings on monitors and control units; accompany with a commercial guarantee from the manufacturer that the computer system and the monitor will function for a period of three years and a year after the date of delivery to the customer respectively; composition of certain components of the computer where 90% of plastic and metal materials in the housing shall be recyclable; and the unit come complete with user instructions and an environment declaration of its ecological attributes.

Ionization chamber - type smoke detectors are required to meet safety regulations of the EU regarding electromagnetic radiation. Space detectors are also required to be in compliance with local radio frequency regulations of overseas markets.

Products to be sold to EU must carry a CE mark to show the product conform to the stipulated requirements in all directives. The CE mark shall affix onto the product by its manufacturer or importer, as a self-declaration. For some products, supplementary certification marks issued by a notified body as certification of conformity are required.

EU labeling regulations and standards need to be carefully monitored. Imports, which fail to meet marking and labeling requirement, will be refused for entry. Products bearing the CE mark are guaranteed free circulation within the EU market.


Labeling, Marking Requirements

Country of Origin Marking
Generally all products must be marked according to EU directives. Imported goods need to be marked with an indication of origin. The indication "made in" is no longer accepted in Portugal. All imported products sold directly to the public must be marketed with the label "Fabricado em" which is the Portuguese translation of "Made in". False indication of origin is prohibited. Generally all products directly sold to the public must have their labels or markings translated into Portuguese especially the composition and usage instructions and should indicate clearly its validity and the name and address of the importer.

There may be special requirements for some products such as pharmaceuticals, detergents, tobacco, fertilizers, alcoholic beverages and foodstuffs containing preservatives and colorings. There are also special requirements for the packaging and labeling of dangerous or toxic products. Jewelry and other articles of gold, silver or platinum must be assayed and hallmarked in Portugal by the assayer's office in Lisbon or Porto. The importation of these articles is limited to those firms or persons registered in the assayer's office.

There are no special requirements for marking the outside of cases for shipment to Portugal except that weights, when marked, should be in kilograms. Dangerous products must be marked according to the instructions of the UN. When marking is not feasible, such as when the article is too small or marking would in some way damage the merchandise, then the packaging or container that will reach the final consumer must be marked.

The following are specific categories of goods, for which marking, labeling, and/or testing requirements are applicable in Portugal:

Foodstuffs: The Direc¡Ño Geral da Sa?de (DGS) (General Directorate of Health) sets human consumption standards for the preparation, residual content and storage media for virtually all classes of foodstuffs. The labels on the container must include the product designation, a list of ingredients, the weight or volume, dates (manufacturing, packing, minimum shelf life, and expiration dates), directions for food preservation (if applicable), identification of the firm involved (manufacturer, packer, or importer) and the country of origin. If the original label is not in Portuguese, a similar one must be prepared in Portuguese and be firmly affixed to the container. Milk products, margarine, chocolate and soaps have other, more technical labeling requirements. Wines and other alcoholic beverages must meet Portuguese standards.

Textiles: Customs and point-of-sale regulations require that all textile goods and ready-made clothing have a Portuguese label. Standard Portuguese textile nomenclature and content requirements must be stated on the label. Requirements relating to textile content, labeling and packaging are specific and extensive. Manufacturers' trademarks, duly registered, are permitted on textile products.

Drugs, Pharmaceutical and Cosmetics: These goods are subject to technical inspection and registration by the Direc¡Ño Geral da Sa?de (DGS) (General Directorate of Health) prior to entry. There are also detailed marking and labeling requirements, somewhat similar to those for foodstuffs, which include detailed chemical composition.

Fertilizers and Fungicides: Imported fertilizers must be registered with the local Agriculture Ministry Office. Inspection and analysis will be performed prior to customs clearance. The Ministry of Agriculture must approve all printed advertising and publicity materials, and labels must be in Portuguese and include detailed precautions.

Firearms: The Minist»rio da Defesa Nacional (MDN) (Ministry of National Defence) must clear all firearms, and they must bear a stamp of certification.

Metals: The Portuguese Guarantee Bureau provides assay services and affixes its hallmark for all imported precious metals.

Motor Vehicles: Each vehicle will be inspected for engraved serial numbers on both the engine and chassis. If one of these is not available, Portuguese customs levies a special charge for stamping the number.

Tires and Tubes: All tires and inner tubes must be marked with a serial number.

For agricultural products, labeling requirements are fully harmonized with the EU labeling system; however, the labels must be in Portuguese.

CE Marking
The CE (Conformit» Europ»enne) Marking is required to be displayed on regulated products offered for commercial sale on the European market. It indicates that a product complies with applicable European Directives related to health, safety, environment and consumer protection. Because the CE Marking identifies products that meet a common set of criteria established and adopted by the 15 CE members, the CE Marking on your products will permit them to move freely in commerce throughout the European market. The manufacturer, or authorized representative, is responsible for placing the CE Marking on compliant products. The common CE Marking logo is placed on the product, product literature or packaging as described in each Directive. Articles regulated under the European Directives that are not properly marked when imported are subject to delay in customs and may not be cleared for consumption.

Eco-labels
In March of 1992, the EU Council approved law 880/92 establishing a community-wide system for granting Eco-labels (green label) to products that voluntarily satisfy environmental standards.

The EU's objectives in setting up a system for issuing green labels are twofold. The labels inform consumers of products that are environmentally safer than others in all aspects of a product's life cycle. Furthermore, they improve the design, production and marketing as well as increase the use of products that have low or non-adverse effects on the environment and that use natural resources wisely.

The EU hopes that these objectives will increase the standards of health, security and the condition of the environment of the EU countries. Products imported into the EU that wish to obtain a green label must follow the same strict criteria as EU members.

Royal Decree established Portugal's participation in the EU Eco-labeling program in April 1994.




General Export Clearance Information

Clearance Process
Portuguese exporters need to obtain an export declaration (this is a simplified procedure generally handled by a customs house broker) before they ship their merchandise. The export declaration is used for Portuguese Customs purposes but one copy should stay together with other export documentation.

In principle, the export declaration cannot be obtained without a receipt of deposit confirming that the merchandise is physically deposited in a customs area or an export warehouse. Export warehouses are approved by Customs authorities and generally facilitate the process of exporting. They do so by issuing export declarations as soon as the exporter informs the Customs authorities that the merchandise is available, and by making said merchandise available for Customs inspection. Portuguese Customs regulations have approved the implementation of simplified export proceedings. This allows authorized exporters, exporters of perishables and express mail operators to export merchandise directly from their establishments. They are only required to present a commercial invoice to the Customs Authorities. The deposit of a guarantee is no longer required for exporters to have access to simplified export procedures.

Exporting from Portugal requires:

1. Export Compliance;

2. Knowledge of your commodity;

3. Proper documentation including permits, licenses and related certificate of origins;

4. Pre-shipment requirements from the destination country.

Export documentation requirements vary depending on the value of the goods, destination of the shipment and if the goods are controlled, prohibited or regulated. Goods that must be reported require a bill of lading/air waybill, an SAD (Single Administrative Document) export declaration, a commercial or a pro-forma invoice, as well as any export permits, certificate, licenses required for controlled, prohibited or regulated goods. All controlled, regulated commodities require an export permit regardless of the value. It is extremely important that all documents tendered for export clearance processing are accurate in every way. Incomplete or inaccurate documentation may result in lengthy delays in customs processing and may result in warehousing and other customs fees.

Export Permits - Specific export permits are for commodities subject to export controls. The Ministerio das Financas (Customs) is the government office for dual use exports (commercial items that may have military applications). Other departments and agencies have regulatory jurisdiction and issue licenses for controlled substances and precursor chemicals, for endangered fish and wildlife species, for defense services and articles, for arms and munitions, for nuclear material, equipment and technology, for fuels, for drugs and medical devices. Before exporting these items, special licenses must be obtained from customs office to insure that the items are not part of the national heritage of Portugal. License requirements are dependent upon an item's technical characteristics, the destination, the end-use, end-user and other activities of the end-user. Specific questions pertaining to commodity licensing requirements should be directed to the lead agency. Agency Information, telephone number and basic commodities that might require export permits could be identified by accessing the department and agency web sites listed in the profile.

Document Requirements
Several different forms of documentation may be required for shipments to Portugal. Exporters are required to present two commercial invoices, one bill of lading and three copies of a certificate of origin for all shipments. Other certificates are necessary for exporting pharmaceutical goods, perishable foods, live animals and some medical goods.





Portugal Export Prohibitions

The following commodities are prohibited for export from Portugal:

*
Atlantic red tuna fish (Thunnus Thynnus) originating from Belize, Panama, and Honduras
* Toys and games containing copper sulfate
* Items having a flexible metal blade entirely contained in a plastic, paper, or fabric sheath
* Illicit Narcotics and Drugs
* All forms of asbestos fibers
* L-trytophane and any items having L-trytophane as an ingredient
* Rubber erasers that are similar in appearance to food products that are easily ingested
* Medical thermometers containing mercury intended for human consumption




General Export Restrictions

The following items are not acceptable for carriage to any international destinations unless otherwise indicated. (Additional restrictions may apply depending on destination. Various regulatory clearances in addition to customs clearance may be required for certain commodities, thereby extending the transit time.)

* APO/FPO addresses.

* C.O.D. shipments.

* Human corpses, human organs or body parts, human and animal embryos, or cremated or disinterred human remains.

* Explosives (Class 1.4 explosives are acceptable for carriage to Canada, Germany, Japan, Sweden, United Arab Emirates and United Kingdom. Note: United Arab Emirates only allows Class 1.4 explosives to be shipped hold- for- pick-up to the FedEx Express facility in Dubai.)

* Firearms, weaponry, and their parts (acceptable between the U.S. and Puerto Rico).

* Perishable foodstuffs and foods and beverages requiring refrigeration or other environmental control.

* Live animals (including insects) except via our Live Animal Desk (1.800.405.9052).

* Plants and plant material, including cut flowers (cut flowers are acceptable from the U.S. to selected points in Canada and from Colombia, Ecuador and the Netherlands to the U.S.).

* Lottery tickets and gambling devices where prohibited by local, state, provincial or national law.

* Money (coins, cash, currency, paper money and negotiable instruments equivalent to cash such as endorsed stocks, bonds and cash letters).

* Collectible coins and stamps.

* Pornographic and/or obscene material.

* Hazardous waste, including, but not limited to, used hypodermic needles or syringes or other medical waste.

* Shipments that may cause damage to, or delay of, equipment, personnel or other shipments.

* Shipments that require us to obtain any special license or permit for transportation, importation or exportation.

* Shipments whose carriage, importation or exportation is prohibited by any law, statute or regulation.

* Shipments with a declared value for customs in excess of that permitted for a specific destination.

* Dangerous goods except as permitted under the Dangerous Goods section of these terms and conditions.

* Processed or unprocessed dead animals, including insects and pets. Taxidermy-finished hunting trophies or completely processed (dried) specimens of whole animals or parts of animals are acceptable for shipment into the U.S.

* Packages that are wet, leaking or emit an odor of any kind.

* Wildlife products that require U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service export clearance by FedEx prior to exportation from the U.S.

* Shipments* being processed under:

Duty drawback claims unless advance arrangements are made.

Temporary Import Bonds - acceptable under the FedEx International Broker Select option, for initial import only.

U.S. State Department licenses.

Carnets.

U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration export permit.

Shipments destined to or being withdrawn from a Foreign Trade Zone.

Letters of Credit (however, shipments covered by a Letter of Credit calling for a "Courier Receipt" as defined by Article 25 of UCP 600 may move via FedEx International Priority).

Certificate of Registration shipments (CF4455).

Shipments moving into or out of Foreign Trade Zones or bonded warehouses.

*You may be able to ship these items via FedEx International Premium, FedEx International Express Freight (IXF), FedEx International Airport-to-Airport (ATA) or FedEx International Controlled Export. For information on FedEx International Premium, IXF and ITA, call FedEx Express Freight Services at 1.800.332.0807. For information on FedEx International Controlled Export, call International Customer Service at 1.800.247.4747 or your local FedEx customer service representative.




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Portugal Restrictions

The following commodities are prohibited via FedEx International Priority (IP) services from Portugal. However, you may be able to use another FedEx service for shipping these items. For additional shipping options, please contact your local FedEx customer service representative.

*
Dangerous Goods
* Drugs, non-prescription
* Drugs, prescription
* Farming pesticides
* Tobacco
* Personal Effects
* Shipments for shipping vessels in transit in Portugal




Regulatory Contact Information

Branch or Agency Name


Areas of Responsibility
Direccao-geral das Alfandegas,
Ministerio das Financas (Customs)
Direccao-geral das Alfandegas,
Ministerio das Financas
Rua da Alfandega, 5
1149-006 Lisboa
Tel: 21 881 37 00
Fax: 21 881 38 18



* Issues import and export licenses and permits for restricted commodities
* Import & export clearance
* Levies duty & taxes
* Inspects shipments
* Issues regulations about clearance
* Controls import & export enterprises
* Evaluates shipments
* Controls trade of dual-use goods

Direccao Geral do Comercio e da Concorrencia
(DGCC) (General Directorate of Commerce and Competition)
Visconda de Valmor, 72
1069-041 Lisboa
Tel: 21 791 91 00
Fax: 21 796 51 58

* Regulates export laws
* Promotes export trade
* Monitors trade compliance
* Enforces trade restrictions

Ministerio da Defesa Nacional (MDN)
(Ministry of National Defence)
Avenida Ilha da Madeira, 1
1400-204 Lisboa
Tel: 21 303 85 28
Fax: 21 302 02 84

* Regulates arms and ammunitions
* Controls trade of munitions

Ministerio da Agricultura, Desenvolvimento Rural e Pescas (MADRP)
(Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development
and Fisheries)
Praca do Comercio,
1149-010 Lisboa

* Controls the inspection of imported and exported seeds, pesticides, vet medicines, and fertilizers
* Drafts rules and regulations concerning the inspection and quarantine of imported and exported seeds, pesticides, vet medicines and fertilizers

Direccao Geral da Saude (DGS)
(General Directorate of Health)
Al. D. Afonso Henriques, 45
1049-005 Lisboa
Tel: 21 843 05 00
Fax: 21 843 05 30

* Controls import and export of medicaments and drugs and issues Drug Import Inspection Certificate
* Develops health policy
* Enforces health regulation
* Consumer protection and food policy

Instituto Portugues da Qualidade (IPQ) (Portuguese Institute of Quality)
Rua Antonio Giao, 2
2829-513 Caparica
Tel: 21 294 81 00
Fax: 21 294 82 60

* In charge of coordinating the establishment of standards
* Responsible for developing voluntary standards and certification programs
* Publishes a list of approved laboratories for testing and certification each year

Direccao Geral do Ambiente (DGA)
(General Directorate of Environment)
Rua da Murgueira
Bairro do Zambujal
2721-865 Amadora
Tel: 21 472 82 00
Fax: 21 471 90 74



* In charge of coordinating the establishment of environmental standards
* Responsible for controls relating to the environment

Ministerio da Cultura (MC)
(Ministry of Culture)
Rua das Portas de Santo Antao, 100
1150-269 Lisboa
Tel: 21 342 10 81
Fax: 21 342 10 33

* Education and science
* Cultural affairs