Import into the EU: peculiarities of the end-use procedure

The end-use customs procedure can offer the benefit of an import duty relief when the goods are imported for a specific use, or it might be the only option to import certain goods. Let's look at the specifics of this procedure by answering the reader's question about the conditions for the import into the EU of propane gas, which will be used in the technological process of a manufacturing plant.

In this article, we also provide an overview of the general import requirements for chemicals.

Reader‘s questions

A manufacturer plans to buy propane gas of 99.5% purity from China and use it for its own purposes for technological processes. What are the import conditions for this substance? Does the importer need to take care of any licenses for release for free circulation?

About the product

Pure propane is flammable, colourless, non-toxic gas obtained while refining petroleum products. The biggest advantage is that pure propane can be used at temperatures below zero. This is important during the winter period. Propane gas is widely used within numerous industry in various technological processes.

Requirements for import of chemicals

The import of propane is subject to general handling requirements for chemicals. Firstly, the obligation to register a substance under the Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18th December 2006 concerning the Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH). The REACH Regulation is directly applicable, and its requirements apply uniformly in all EU Member States and have not been transposed into national law.

Under Article 6 of the REACH Regulation, any manufacturer or importer of a substance, either on its own or in one or more mixture(s), in quantities of one tonne or more per year shall prepare and submit a registration to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). The registration shall not apply to substances manufactured or imported in quantities of less than one tonne per year.

Continue reading the article ‘Import into the EU: peculiarities of the end-use procedure’ by Alina Budrikienė, Customs broker and Jurgita Stanienė, Head of the Customs compliance department at UAB 'Muita'. Would you like to get access to all the articles published since 2020? Check the pricing here and choose most suitable subscription plan.