How to Export to Portugal

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Customs: Documentation

IMPORT/EXPORT DOCUMENTATION

The following documents are required for ocean or air cargo shipments to Portugal: a bill of lading or an airway bill accompanied by commercial invoices.

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.

Bills of Lading and Airway Bills - Bills of lading and airway bills require no consular legalization. However, these documents should, if possible state the origin. "To order" bills of lading are acceptable if they bear the shipper's endorsement. Two copies of the document used in Portuguese or English are required.

Commercial Invoices - Portuguese Customs requires two copies of commercial invoices, but at least one additional copy should be provided to the importer. Commercial invoices should have an accurate and specific description of the goods with Free On Board (F.O.B.) value followed by an itemized description of expenses or Cost Insurance and Freight (C.I.F.) value. The invoice should indicate the country of origin. If the invoices are intended to certify the origin of the goods, they must have a certification by a chamber of commerce (or by U.S. Customs or port authorities).

In cases involving commodities that have undergone industrial transformation not representing full process of manufacture in the country of origin, or which have passed through free ports or zones, the respective commercial invoice shall bear notation issued by the Portuguese Consulate having jurisdiction in that area.

Certificate of Origin - Certificates of origin are not required on direct shipments (ocean, air or parcel post) or for goods transshipped via a waybill in which the origin is stated. For shipments not covered by a commercial invoice, a through bill of lading or air waybill stating the origin must be accompanied by a certificate of origin if the origin can be attributed to one country being subject to quantitative or any other restrictions.

Certificates of origin forms are obtainable from Portuguese consulates or authorized Chambers of Commerce. Certificates must be authenticated by an authorized Chamber of Commerce or the Portuguese consul, upon presentation of satisfactory evidence of origin, either at the port of original shipment or the port of transshipment.