Kosovo’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) now have a clear roadmap to enter the European Union (EU) market through the Enterprise Europe Network EEN KosInn, which assists businesses with comprehensive advisory services across multiple areas. The network provides guidance on selling products and services across Europe, managing employees in different countries, and ensuring compliance with EU regulations, including CE marking, REACH certification, and other sector-specific rules.
EEN KosInn also helps companies discover new business opportunities, providing information on public sector projects and emerging markets across the EU. Safeguarding intellectual property is another key area of support, with expertise available to protect trademarks, patents, and designs. Additionally, the network represents SMEs’ feedback and concerns to the European Commission, ensuring local businesses have a voice in EU policymaking.
To further support local companies, EEN KosInn has launched a practical Info Guide – Export to the EU, designed to simplify the export process and help businesses succeed abroad. The network collaborates with other expert services such as Your Europe Advice and SOLVIT, offering guidance and assistance to overcome challenges when entering the EU market.
The info guide provides actionable steps for market research, product compliance, packaging, and labelling, helping businesses meet essential EU standards such as CE marking for electronics and toys, phytosanitary certificates for agricultural products, and REACH certification for chemicals. Kosovo exporters are encouraged to include mandatory labelling information such as ingredients, allergens, safety instructions, recycling details, and use-by dates. Voluntary certifications, including organic, eco-label, or fair-trade marks, can further enhance product appeal.
Finding potential buyers and suppliers is made easier through EEN partnership opportunities databases, B2B matchmaking, and trade fairs, which connect Kosovo businesses with relevant EU partners. Certain products, including chemicals, medicines, agricultural goods, and endangered species, require permits or licenses to enter the EU, and exporters are advised to check the TARIC database for import restrictions and licensing requirements.
The guide also explains Incoterms®, which define responsibilities for transport, insurance, and customs duties, with terms like EXW, FCA, DAP, and DDP helping companies clearly outline contractual obligations and delivery responsibilities. Guidance is provided on organizing transport, choosing the most suitable mode—road, rail, sea, or air—and working with reliable freight forwarders to ensure smooth customs clearance. Businesses are reminded to keep all documentation up to date, including commercial invoices, packing lists, certificates of origin, and necessary permits.
EEN KosInn emphasizes starting compliance checks early, keeping all certificates ready, consulting advisors for guidance, and monitoring EU regulations regularly. With the launch of this new info guide and its expert advisory services, Kosovo SMEs are better equipped than ever to expand into the EU market, turning ambition into tangible growth and fostering sustainable success on an international scale.