Exporting to Slovakia

Slovakia is open to new investment. Whether you decide to set up a factory or business office in the country itself or export from your country, Slovakia presents many opportunities. But as with any business venture, both sides have to trust one another to a certain extent. Much groundwork is required to bring together a successful agreement.

The first step that you must take when trying to export your products to Slovakia is to read the European Union Requirements. The document is very detailed listing many aspects of importation into the EU as well labeling the products. Strict restrictions on the handling of meat products, the importation of live animals and other food products are very specific. In addition, certain products such as horticultural items carry heavy tariffs making it infeasible in some circumstances to export to Slovakia.

One of the easier ways to start exporting to Slovakia is to contact family or friends in the country. For persons living in the US or Canada whose family still lives in Slovakia, they will be able to make inroads much quicker. It will still take work and will not happen instantly but having reliable people to make connections, help with the due diligence and vouch for your intent will start the process moving.

Another avenue to follow is contacting trade associations in Slovakia. They may know importers in their country to whom you might speak about your products. They might also be able to give you schedules for trade shows in the event that you visit the country to lay the groundwork for exporting your goods.

Many people nowadays place ads on the internet making others aware that they are looking for partnerships of some type. While it may take longer to find the right person with whom to deal in Slovakia, there is the potential to find some good leads.

If you have the opportunity to travel to Slovakia and are permitted to stay for a longer period than just a one-week vacation, you can certainly make greater progress talking to people and ferreting out contacts. An extended stay will give you the opportunity to talk to people to see if the product is needed or wanted. Knowing the demand will help you when it comes time to negotiate.

Another way to export to Slovakia is through import/export companies. Either export companies in your country who have ties and arrangements with businesses in Slovakia or companies in Slovakia who import products from other countries. This route may cut down your research dramatically but may cost you a little in profit margin, as there will be a middleman.

Depending on how aggressive you are, you might join associations or social clubs in your country where other people from Slovakia fraternize. This may provide you some excellent contacts as well. One of those people may already export to their homeland and could save you much trouble by purchasing your products directly from you and selling them through their own distribution channels.

Whichever way you decide to export your products, make sure to do the research first and check out all parties before making any arrangements and handing over inventory or money.