According to INE, Czechia was the 18th customer of Portuguese exports of goods in 2021, with a share of 0.8% in the total, occupying the 19th position in terms of imports (0.7%). Over the period 2017-2021 there was an average annual growth of 9.3% in exports and 7.6% in imports. The trade balance of goods was unfavorable to our country, having presented a deficit of 99 million euros in 2021. In the structure of exports, Machinery and Equipment (34.6% of the total), Vehicles and Other Transport Material stand out (16.1% of the total), Plastics and Rubber (14.4% of the total), Textiles (8.3% of the total) and Chemicals (6.8% of the total). The main groups of imported products were Machines and Devices (42.6% of the total), Vehicles and Other Transport Material (21.2% of the total), Plastics and Rubber (7.1% of the total), Chemical Products (5.7% of the total) and Common Metals (5.7% of the total).
LEGAL REGULATIONS
The Czech Republic is part of:
From the European Union that integrates a Customs Union (implies free movement of goods between Member States and adoption of the same Union Customs Code for third countries).
The Single Market (1993), an area without frontiers that ensures the free movement of goods, services, capital and people within the Community.
Customs Duties – For customs purposes, the EU is considered a single territory, that is, customs duties (or measures of equivalent effect) are not applied in intra-community trade.
VAT (Value Added Tax) – Despite some uniformity, namely in terms of the standard rate and reduced rates, Member States are sovereign in setting it. In the Czech Republic, the standard rate is 21% and the reduced rate is between 15% and 10%.
IEC (Special Consumption Taxes) – The rates set by the EU are minimum rates, and EU countries can set higher rates, which vary according to the product.
Commercial Invoice – Since the goods are not subject to customs documentation, the commercial invoice is of vital importance; this should always indicate VAT registration numbers of the parties, preceded by the country code – Czech Republic/CZ | VIES System | Frequently Asked Questions | Contact: Tax and Customs Authority.
Statistical Control of Intracommunity Trade (Intrastat System) – In the absence of customs inspection that makes this information available, it is up to economic operators to present the Intrastat Declaration to INE only in annual shipments ≥ 250 000€.
Compliance with the Community Legislative Acquis – The adoption of harmonization legislation allows the elimination of obstacles and the establishment of common rules aimed at guaranteeing the free movement of goods/products in the EU.
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