We can find answers to your questions on exporting and trading in Europe. Below are two recent questions and their answers.

Question
I have been trying unsuccessfully since January to claim an unpaid debt from a Company based in Paris we completed some work for.  I’m not sure what to do next?

Answer
After the client provided us with the details of this company we contacted our Enterprise Europe network colleagues in Paris for assistance. 
Our colleagues provided details of the standard procedures that have to be followed in France when trying to claim an unpaid debt.  They also provided details of a French Companies Register website where for a small fee the client can order a company activity report.
 
Question
I will be taking a lorry to Hungary to deliver some paperwork.  Are there any licenses or customs documents I will need?

Answer
Due to the free circulation of goods within the EU you do not need any custom documents to take the goods abroad.  However, if you are going to be travelling through a non EU country the rules may be different.

We also contacted an organization called SITPRO on behalf of the client.  SITPRO can advise on international trade procedures and documentation.  They further advised that
if you are transporting the goods for your own account the Road Haulage Association recommends that you draw up on company headed note-paper an "own account transport document". 

It should contain the statement "the vehicle is being operated for or in connection with a trade or business (not being the trade or business of the carriage or haulage of goods for hire or reward) carried on by the user of the vehicle."  It should also contain: the vehicle registration number, company name and phone number, name of signatory, signature, place and date of issue, description of goods, gross weight and dimension, place of loading and destination. 

For France you need to put the route and for Germany you need to put the vehicle weight, distance to be travelled in the country and frontier crossing points.  Although there is no legal requirement for such a document; it is just a precaution in case the vehicle is stopped.

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