This article systematically analyzes my countrys printing equipment from the necessary documents, agency process, certification to customs clearanceExport to EuropeThe practical points will help you avoid traps and go global steadily:

Required documents for export

1. Basic files

commercial invoice: Indicate the equipment model, power, and functional parameters (e.g., printing speed, resolution);

Packing List: Breakdown of weight and volume by component (EU billing by gross weight);

Bill of Lading: The consignee is required to provide an EU EORI number (Enterprise Unique Identification).

2. Compliance Documents

CE certification: Covers Machinery Directive (MD), Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive (EMC);

Certificate of Origin: CO certificate, attesting to the place of origin or manufacture of the goods;

Test report: Noise tests (EN 1010), energy efficiency tests (e.g. energy labeling ERP).

3. Special files

Dangerous Goods Declaration: Equipment containing inks or solvents requires an MSDS (Chemical Safety Data Sheet);

EPR(Extended Producer Responsibility): Printing equipment will be required to register for recycling responsibility in the target country from 2023.

Agency Process and Logistics Options

1. Agency cooperation model

Full process agent：Commissioned professionalElectromechanical EquipmentExporters, covering customs declaration, certification, and after-sales;

Segmentation Agent: Separate logistics and customs clearance, which is cheaper but requires self-coordination.

2. Key Steps

Contract Signing: Clarify the FCA/DDP terms and agree on a mechanism for handling quality disputes;

Production and stocking: Pre-screening of equipment (e.g. guards, emergency stop buttons) according to CE standards;

Logistics solutions:

• The Maritime: From Shanghai/Shenzhen to Rotterdam Port (28-35 days), the full container freight is about $5000/40HQ;

• China-Europe Express: Chongqing to Hamburg (18-22 days), the freight is 15% higher than sea freight, but the time efficiency is stable;

• air transport: Urgent orders are optional, the freight is 8-12 times of sea freight.

Core certification and regulatory requirements

1. Compulsory certification

CE certification:

• Machinery Directive (MD 2006/42/EC): The equipment needs to pass the safety design assessment (such as protective devices, emergency brakes);

• EMC Directive (2014/30/EU): Ensure that the electromagnetic radiation of the equipment does not interfere with other products.

RoHS Directive (2011/65/EU): Six types of hazardous substances such as lead and cadmium are restricted, and a third-party test report is required.

2. Environmental regulations

REACH Regulation: Submit SVHC (Substances of Very High Concern) content declaration;

EPR System: Register for recycling responsibilities in countries such as Germany and France and pay environmental protection funds.

3. Energy efficiency requirements

ERP Energy Efficiency Label: Some equipment needs to be marked with energy efficiency level (such as A++);

Ecodesign Directive (EuP): Limit the standby power consumption of the device (e.g. ≤1W).

Common risks and countermeasures

• File Error：The commercial invoice and bill of lading information do not match, resulting in the detention of goods;
• Countermeasures: Use the ERP system to automatically generate and verify documents.

• Missing certification: The goods were intercepted by customs without CE mark;
• Countermeasures：Entrust the European Union Authorized Representative (EC REP) to affix the CE mark and register it.

• Environmental penalties: Failure to register an EPR will result in a high fine (up to 100,000 euros in Germany);
• Countermeasures: Complete registration on the LUCID platform in advance.

In short, the only way to turn compliance pressure into technical competitiveness and to be invincible in the European market is to lay out in advance. In addition, if you have agent service needs in export trade, please feel free to contact us!