I - 11 - I
As an EU Member State, the Czech Republic is regulated by EU legislation concerning the import of sporting goods. U.S. firms exporting to the Czech Republic need to comply with both local Czech and European regulations.
There are no major barriers to trade for sporting goods. Products from non-EU countries are subject to import duties. Customs duty rates are updated annually and are harmonized with EU countries. Import duties depend on the specific product and matching HS code.
However, there are certain regulations for items like guns for sport shooting, some electronic devices, and nutrition products for athletes that need to be approved/verified before exporting them to the country.
Sport guns and ammunition for those guns may be imported into the territory of the Czech
Republic only with an import permit.
CE marking may be necessary for certain electrical appliances, machines and measuring
equipment.
Some additives that are occasionally used in nutrition products for athletes are prohibited in
the European Union.
U.S. companies interested in entering the Czech market are encouraged to work with their local U.S. Export Assistance Center in the United States; to find a location near you, see list of U.S. Offices. For information on a specific country see International Offices..
Czech Republic
Current Market Trends and Demand
While in the 1990s sports brands were a symbol of a certain social prestige for the Czechs, they are now a common standard not only in sports but also in everyday fashion. Some brands dominate in specific sports, such as Adidas for soccer clothing or in running shoes.
Czech demand for sporting goods rises in the spring and before Christmas.
Average annual expenditure on sportswear and equipment per capita in the country in 2019 was $290 according to the STEM/MARK market research agency. Total spending for sporting goods was in excess of $3 billion in the country in 2019, of which e-commerce revenue was $550 million (approximately 18% share of sales).
Market Entry and Barriers