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Executive Report on Strategies in Czech Republic
ICON Group International, June 2007, Pages: 386
How to Strategically Evaluate Czech Republic
Perhaps the most efficient way of evaluating Czech Republic is to consider key dimensions which themselves are composites of multiple factors. Composite portfolio approaches have long been used by strategic planners. The biggest challenge in this approach is to choose the appropriate factors that are the most relevant to international planning. The two measures of greatest relevance are “latent demand” and “market accessibility”. The figure below summarizes the key dimensions and recommendations of such an approach. Using these two composites, one can prioritize all countries of the world. Countries of high latent demand and high relative accessibility (e.g. easier entry for one firm compared to other firms) are given highest priority. The figure below shows two different scenarios. Accessibility is defined as a firm’s ease of entering or supplying from or to a market (the “supply side”), and latent demand is an indicator of the potential in serving from or to the market (the “demand side”).
Framework for Prioritizing Countries
Demand/Market Potential Driven Firm
Relative Accessibility
Accessibility/Supply Averse Firm
Relative Accessibility
In the top figure, the firm is driven by market potential, whereas the bottom figure represents a firm that is driven by costs or by an aversion to difficult markets. This report treats the reader as coming from a “generic firm” approaching the global market - neither a market-driven nor a cost-driven company. Planners must therefore augment this report with their own company-specific factors that might change the priorities.
Latent Demand and Accessibility in Czech Republic
This report provides an extremely detailed overview of factors driving latent demand and accessibility in Czech Republic. Latent demand is largely driven by economic fundamentals. But, latent demand only represents half of the picture. A country may at first sight appear to be attractive due to a high latent demand, but it is often less attractive when one considers at the macro level how easy it might be to serve that entire potential and/or general business risks.
Chapter 2 deals with macro-accessibility. While accessibility will always vary from one company to another for a given country, the following domains are typically considered when evaluating macro-accessibility in Czech Republic:
Openness to Trade in Czech Republic
Openness to Direct Investment in Czech Republic
Local Marketing and Entry Strategy Alternatives
Local Human Resources
Local Risks
Across these domains, a number of not-so-obvious factors can affect accessibility and risk. These are also covered in Chapter 2, which is presented from the perspective of an American firm, though it is equally applicable to most firms entering Czech Republic. This chapter has been authored by local offices of the U.S. Government. I have included a number of edits to clarify the provided information as it relates to the general strategic framework.
In Chapter 3, I summarize the economic potential for Czech Republic over the next five years for hundreds of industries, categories, and products. The goal of this chapter is to report my findings on the real economic potential, or latent demand, represented by Czech Republic when defined as an area of dominant influence. The data presented are the result of various spatial econometric and time-series forecasting models which, for each category presented, are applied to forecast and allocate latent demand across all countries of the world and major distribution centers or centers of dominant influence within each country. This is accomplished knowing that economic fundamentals (e.g. income) generally vary from one country to another within a given country over time. In this chapter, I report the allocation for each category for Czech Republic as an area of dominant influence in Europe and, potentially, the world.
The report concludes with trade indicators for Czech Republic. Often, the amount of trade flowing into and out of a country is a strong indicator of trading partners, trade openness, and related latent demand. Trade indicators are purely statistical in nature. Although international trade is not a direct measure of latent demand, it does provide an indicator of general market conditions with respect to trade flows and trade openness in Czech Republic.
As a whole, this report presents a strategic assessment of Czech Republic by considering an extremely broad set of factors affecting both latent demand and accessibility, as outlined in the following chapters.
MACRO-ACCESSIBILITY IN CZECH REPUBLIC
Economic Fundamentals and Dynamics
Since the Velvet Revolution in 1989, the Czech Republic has transformed itself into a western-oriented market economy with more than 80 percent of enterprises in private hands.
Government Intervention Risks
While more than 80 percent of output is produced by the private sector, the government still holds majority or significant stakes in several large Czech enterprises, notably firms in the energy, transportation and communications sectors. The government’s role is evolving from owner to regulator in many of these sectors as privatization proceeds. For example, independent regulatory agencies have recently been established in the telecommunications and energy sectors. Tax revenues amount to 37% of GDP. Non-discretionary expenditures, including state employees’ salaries, account for more than 70 percent of the consolidated government expenditures.
Infrastructure Development
Upgrading the Czech Republic’s infrastructure, specifically telecommunications and transportation, is important for continued economic growth and development. The quality of Czech transport networks and systems, as well as rolling stock and vehicles, is generally below the standards of advanced European countries. All transport sectors, including railway, highway, inland waterway and air, have been targeted for infrastructure upgrade.
The infrastructure for e-commerce is slowly improving. There are currently 19 Internet service providers, which cover a majority of the Czech Republic. Statistics on homes with Internet access vary widely, ranging from five to fifteen percent of the population, but all concur the availability of Internet connections through a variety of options is on the rise.
European Union Accession
Integrating the Czech economy into the West, specifically into the EU, remains a top government priority. The Czech Republic became a full member of the EU on May 1, 2004. On that date, the Czech Republic ceased conducting customs inspections at its borders and adopted the EU’s common external tariff. Accession was preceded by five or more years of intensive effort to harmonize Czech laws and standards with those of the EU.
Political Risks
Economic Relationship with the United States
U.S.-Czech relations are excellent and reflect strong historical ties. The U.S. and the Czech Republic cooperate on a wide range of regional and global issues. The Czech Republic became a NATO ally in 1999. It has been a firm supporter of the international struggle against terrorism. Czech troops have served in both Iraq and Afghanistan. The U.S. supports Czech participation in Western economic and political institutions, including OECD and the WTO. U.S. assistance during the 1990’s played a major role in facilitating the Czech Republic’s transition to a market economy.
Politics and the Business Environment
The Czech government actively promotes inward foreign investment. Integration and cooperation with the EU and other international economic and political institutions remains a fundamental tenet of the major political parties on both sides of the political spectrum.
American and other foreign business people often cite a convoluted -- or, in some cases, corrupt -- system of bureaucracy at both national and local levels as impeding market access. The government has made some efforts to deal with this problem. Potential investors must sometimes spend considerable time and effort to finalize a deal, or to enforce the terms of a contract, and the Embassy has occasionally been asked to intercede on an American investor’s behalf.
The New Regional Governments
The Czech Republic introduced a new system of regional government in 2000, establishing 14 regional governments. The regional governments are taking over responsibilities for health care, education, culture and transportation. They are still largely dependent on financing from the central government.
Marketing Strategies
The Czech Republic is geographically small, with 10 percent of the population and most decision-makers concentrated in the capital city of Prague. It is a market where good personal relationships are crucial, and everyone seems to know everyone else. U.S. firms attempting, from a distance, to build the close network of contacts and relationships needed to penetrate this market will usually find it to be a time-consuming and costly process. Therefore, we recommend basing your approach on finding and supporting a Czech partner.
Agents and Distributors
What type of partner to look for will depend on your business:
Consumer and Industrial Goods
One way into the market is to find a distributor with an existing distribution system who may welcome a new U.S. product that supplements an existing line. The best distributors work closely with their foreign suppliers to develop strategies tailored to the nuances of the local market, drawing on the distributor’s knowledge of local pricing strategies, promotion techniques, and competition. In most cases, one distributor can provide coverage throughout the entire country for a related line of products. However, a strategy of using multiple distributors that cover only specific regions should also be considered.
Services Firms and Educational Institutions
U.S. professional service firms and educational institutions should consider teaming with Czech partners as a market entry strategy. For example, U.S. firms seeking to market environmental protection or other engineering services will be unable to compete for many Czech government or EU tenders without a local partner. Overall, this approach will enable a U.S. firm to have constant visibility on the Czech market.
High-End Retail Firms
There is a large concentration of the Czech high-income population residing in Prague, and a growing number of visiting tourists, that make it an attractive market for high-end retail firms. U.S. firms selling high-value consumer goods may wish to consider investing in a well-positioned retail outlet in Prague that can then be used as the main point of sale for this market.
Checking Bona Fides
Due diligence on potential partners (as well as on suppliers, major clients, and other contacts) is important. Dun & Bradstreet (Tel.: (+420) 271 031 500, Fax: (+420) 271 031 510, custserv@dbis.cz, www.dbis.cz) offers profiles and financial information on Czech firms.
Distribution Channel Options
The Czech Republic has a developed, European-style distribution system and a strong and growing cadre of professional sales agents and distributors in most market segments.
Consumer Sector
Prague’s winding cobblestone streets are lined with tiny shops -- grocery stores, pharmacies, music stores, clothing stores, and bookstores. These small shops now face stiff competition from American-style supermarkets, European “hypermarkets,” and shopping malls with a broader selection, lower prices and extended weekend and evening hours (increasingly, 24-hour operation). Swedish IKEA, British TESCO, French Carrefour, and German OBI and Baumax, among others, operate multiple locations throughout Prague and have expanded throughout the nation. At this time, no large U.S. retailers are present in the market.
Industrial Sectors
Representative offices or industrial sales agents usually handle industrial sales. The cadre of agents has expanded rapidly in recent years. U.S. firms will find agents to be very strong technically. However, many will need help in developing marketing and customer service strategies. Margins for distributors are similar to those prevalent in Western European countries.
E-Commerce
While Internet sales represent a small fraction of the Czech market, they are increasing rapidly. Business-to-business sites are experiencing geometric growth and are becoming increasingly important and trusted. While most U.S. firms should not place full reliance on web-marketing strategies, web-sites may supplement traditional marketing efforts.
Advertising and Trade Promotion
U.S. firms can spur sales through trade shows, in-country promotions, and advertising. These activities are especially crucial and necessary in the retail market.
Trade Shows
With a history dating back to the Middle Ages, trade shows are a European way of life. Both Prague and Brno host many international shows. A small booth is a good -- and comparatively low-cost way -- to meet customers in the Czech Republic and neighboring countries.
Trade Promotions
The Czech Republic is a small market, and each sector has a few key decision-makers and opinion leaders. One way to reach these leaders quickly is to hold an innovative in-country promotion. Examples of good programs include technical seminars or small receptions at industry trade shows in Brno and Prague, media events and press conferences related to events like launching new lines or opening new offices, or annual holiday receptions for key clients and potential clients. On the retail side, in-store promotions are utilized extensively.
Advertising Options
A U.S. firm can craft a targeted advertising campaign to introduce new products or support established ones for a fraction of the cost of advertising in the U.S. Retain a local public relations/advertising firm to provide an integrated program. Foreign firms most often pay for in-country advertising, while their local distributors provide facilities, warehousing, and equipment.
Pricing Issues
Czech consumers and firms are very price-sensitive. In the consumer market, however, increasing incomes and the wealth of products in the market have led to a shift toward prestigious name brands -- over low-cost competitors -- for certain high-end goods. U.S. firms are up against European competitors, who have lower transport costs and (usually) lower import duties, as well as Czech firms that have home field advantage. A number of larger U.S. firms have lowered costs and improved sales prospects by doing some low-cost assembly or value-added production within the Czech Republic.
The Czech economy has traditionally been a cash economy, although credit card use has grown exponentially as bank regulations for the issuance of credit cards have been relaxed to near-Western standards. Today, virtually all professionals in major cities have at least one credit card.
Public Sector Marketing
The Czech government has a long shopping list as it seeks to modernize its military to meet NATO goals and commitments, upgrade infrastructure, and meet environmental and other EU requirements. Though the Czech government faces continuing budget constraints, EU, U.S. Defense Department, and other international funds are available to help finance purchases. Both Czech federal government and major municipal governments are making increasing use of bond offerings to pay for infrastructure improvements.
As a member of the EU, the Czech Republic is now subject to the rules of the GATT Agreement on Government Procurement. The Czech government’s current procurement law requires public tenders for major government and government-financed procurements. Tenders are publicized in the local daily press, particularly Hospodarske noviny (Economic News) and Mlada Fronta Dnes newspaper, as well as in the Obchodni vestnik (Trade Gazette) published by the Czech government. Major manufacturers of a particular product are usually notified directly. The period between calling and closing tenders is 180 days for internationally financed procurements.
U.S. companies bidding on Czech government tenders must have their products approved for the EU market. U.S. companies who find local Czech partners for joint bids should be increasingly competitive in tenders for environmental services, engineering services, and financial and management consulting services. Czech firms enjoy a 10 percent preference on bids. In addition, bid bonds from 1-5% may be required for large-scale contracts. An emphasis on total value (rather than low cost) has lessened the disadvantages U.S. companies once had against lower-cost domestic and European firms. Lack of transparency throughout the procurement process remains an obstacle.
Other Market Entry Strategies
While most companies will find success with strategic partner or agent/distributor relationships, other successful techniques have been tried:
Direct Marketing Options
Direct marketing has become a common way to distribute products in the Czech Republic, with Avon, Amway, Mary Kay Cosmetics, Oriflamme, Herbalife and Lux leading the way. Direct marketers enable these firms to reach clients in small towns and the Czech countryside, where retail outlets are limited. Both Amway’s multi-level and Lux’s one-level marketing approaches have worked here. Network marketing has started recently, with four successful “membership” stores in Prague, Brno, Plzen, and Ostrava. There is a Czech National Association of Direct Marketing, which brings awareness to the international rules of direct marketing, such as the length of guarantees and the consumer’s right to return a product.
Joint Ventures and Licensing Options
The Czech Republic is an attractive destination for foreign investors seeking manufacturing and assembly operations. Joint ventures are the most common approach. Although the law allows 100 percent foreign ownership, foreign companies are sometimes reluctant to acquire a Czech firm outright because of environmental or other long-term liabilities.
Establishing a Representative Office
If you wish to establish an office of your own, you must register your company at a local district office. to accomplish this, we suggest you work through a local service provider and attorney. Prague has a well-educated, multilingual population, many of whom have years of experience in working for Western firms. Companies offering attractive salaries can normally secure a talented nucleus of local staff for a new office. Executive recruiting firms are active in Prague, though most executives use the time-honored word-of-mouth method in making hiring decisions. As public transport is efficient, affordable, and reliable (and most employees will use it), companies with smaller pocketbooks may wish to consider locating to less expensive space outside the center.
Franchising Activities
The Czech Republic still lacks laws regulating franchising. Franchising, therefore, takes the form of a contract between two entities regulated by the Commercial Code pertaining to commercial contracts and sales and licensing agreements. McDonald’s, and KFC have founded their own outlets in the Czech Republic, although a slowly increasing number are now owner-operated franchises. While these outlets have done well, few Czechs have the capital or experience to invest in their own franchises and typical master franchise networks have yet to develop. However, in the near future, one or more local banks may be unveiling financing programs geared towards potential franchisees.
Key Marketing Contacts
Major Newspapers and Business Journals
Mlada Fronta Dnes (largest national daily newspaper)
Tel: +420 222 061 111
Fax: +420 222 062 229
www.idnes.cz
Hospodarske noviny (daily business newspaper)
Tel: +420 233 074 191
Fax: +420 233 074 199
www.ihned.cz
Lidove Noviny (daily newspaper)
Tel: +420 225 098 111
Fax: +420 225 098 199
www.lidovky.cz
Profit (weekly business newspaper)
Tel: +420 225 010 377
Fax: +420 225 010 366
www.profit.cz
Ekonom (weekly business magazine)
Tel: +420 233 074 190
Fax: +420 233 074 199
www.ihned.cz
Obchodnik (weekly business magazine)
Tel: +420 233 071 490
Fax: +420 233 072 051
www.obchodnik.ihned.cz
The Prague Post (weekly English-language newspaper)
Tel: +420 296 334 400
Fax: +420 296 334 450
www.praguepost.cz
Prague Tribune (bimonthly magazine, English/ Czech)
Tel: +420 220 400 121
Fax: +420 220 400 123
www.prague-tribune.cz
Metro (free daily newspaper distributed in Metro stations)
Tel: +420 221732 030
Fax: +420 224 812 602
www.metro.cz
Euro ekonomicky tydenik (economic weekly)
Tel: +420 251 026 107
Fax: +420 257 325 905
www.euro.cz
Fleet Sheet (daily English)
Tel: +420 221 004 315
Fax: +420 224 221 580
www.fleet.cz
E-mail: info@fleet.cz
Major B2B Web sites
www.b2bcentrum.cz- major provider of services in the field of B2B in Central Europe
www.abcb.cz/- general business information, news, food products
www.glob2b.cz/- advertising banners on the Internet
U.S. Advertising Agencies
Leo Burnett Advertising, s.r.o.
Tel: +420 257 310 506
Fax: +420 257 321 563
www.leoburnett.com
MARK/BBDO, a.s.
Tel: +420 221 617 201
Fax: +420 224 810 904
www.bbdo.cz
Young & Rubicam, s.r.o.
Tel: +420 221 420 111
Fax: +420 221 420 122
www.yr.com
McCann-Ericson
Tel: +420 222 009 111
Fax: +420 222 723 996
www.mccann.cz
Ogilvy & Mather, s.r.o.
Tel: +420 221 998 111
Fax: +420 221 998 888
www.ogilvy.cz
DDB, a.s.
Tel: +420 221 013 111
Fax: +420 221 03 901
www.ddb.com
TBWA Praha, s.r.o.
Tel: +420 224 232 151
Fax: +420 224 232 108
www.tbwa.cz
Grey Praha, s.r.o.
Tel: +420 266 798 111
Fax: +420 266 798 102
www.grey.cz
Selected Freight Forwarders
Cechofracht, a.s.
Tel: +420 281004 111
Fax: +420 272 705 240
www.cechofracht.cz
NH-Trans, s.r.o.
Tel: +420 596 279 411
Fax: +420 596 279 401
www.nh-trans.cz
Danzas, a.s.
Tel: +420 596 270 006
Fax: +420 596 270 019
www.danzas.cz
Schenker-BTL
Tel: +420 311 711 111
Fax: +420 311 711 399
www.schenker-btl.cz
Cetrans, a.s.
Tel. +420 477 107 111
Fax. +420 477 107 223
www.cetrans.cz
AFG Holding
Tel: +420 545 42 5921
Fax: +420 545 495 929
www.afgholding.cz
Maersk Agency sro
Tel: +420 257182320
Fax: +420 257182331
www.maersk.com
Import and Export Regulation Risks
The Czech Republic is committed to a free market and maintains a generally open economy, with few barriers to trade and investment. Membership in the European Union means that tariffs and standards, as well as most procedures, must conform to EU norms. This includes adoption of EU technical barriers to some imports of agricultural and food products. Customs formalities are usually handled by the importer.
Adherence to Free Trade Agreements
As a member of the European Union, the Czech Republic participates in all free trade arrangements entered into by the EU.
Customs Regulations and Tariff Rates
After accession to the European Union on May 1, 2004, customs controls at the land borders of the Czech Republic were abolished. Immigration controls will continue. International airports, of which the largest is Prague Ruzyne airport, will be the only external borders controlled by Czech customs authorities. VAT and excise taxes will be payable by the recipient of goods on the basis of Czech regulations. Goods transported to the Czech Republic under the Community Transit regime must be declared at a customs office in the Czech Republic. The following European Union legislation is directly applicable as of the date of accession:
Council Regulation (EEC) no. 2454/93 of 12 October 1992, establishing the Community Customs Code, as amended,
Commission Regulation (EEC) no. 2913/92 of 2 July 1993, laying down provisions for the implementation of Council Regulation (EEC) no. 2913/92.
Council Regulation (EEC) no. 918/83 of 28 March 1983, setting up a Community system of reliefs from customs duty, as amended,
Council Regulations (EEC) no. 2658/87 of 23 July 1987 on customs and statistical nomenclature and the Common Customs Tariff, as amended.
These regulations are available at http://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/en/search/search_lif.html. Duty rates under the EU Common Customs Tariff will apply.
Value-Added Taxes
The value-added tax (VAT) applies to all goods, both domestic and foreign, sold within the Czech Republic. The VAT rate is generally 19 percent, although a lower VAT of 5 percent is charged for selected goods, such as food and services. As part of its fiscal reforms, and in order to meet EU requirements, the government has moved some services up to the 19% VAT rate. VAT on imports is calculated on the declared customs value plus applicable duty and excise tax.
Excise Taxes
Excise taxes are imposed on the following goods produced or imported into the Czech Republic: fuels and lubricants, tobacco products, beer, wine and liquor. The rate is determined by the type and quantity of the product and must be paid within ten days after being notified by the Customs Office of the tax amount due.
Documentation Required for Trade
U.S. companies exporting into the Republic from outside the European Union are required to present:
A commercial invoice
A bill of lading
A shipper’s export declaration for items requiring an export license or valued above $2,500) and a declaration of conformity (issued by importer)
Certifications
Some products require certification before a declaration of conformity can be issued. Depending on the nature of the goods, a veterinary health certificate and/or a certificate of origin (for concessionary customs rates, if applicable) can also be required. Products containing genetically modified organisms require special approvals.
Labeling Issues
Labeling and marking requirements for products depend on the type of product and the intended use. In general, however, labels must be in the Czech language and can be affixed to the product or on a leaflet attached to the product. Information must include the name of the product, name of producer, country of origin, and in some cases, instructions for use. Labels for some products, such as foods, beverages, food supplements, and textiles, must also provide content/composition. Special labeling rules for products with biotech content have been introduced. In addition, international norms for warning labels on consumer products apply. Czech labeling requirements were harmonized with EU norms in 2002. Czech importers and distributors are responsible for the correct labeling of products that are put on the Czech market and can typically advise the U.S. exporter of specific requirements regarding labeling and marking.
Licensing Requirements
The Czech Ministry of Industry and Trade issues import licenses to those seeking to import selected goods into the Czech Republic. While most products and services are exempt from the licensing process, oil, natural gas, pyrotechnical products, sporting guns, ammunition and military equipment require a license. Under EU rules, imports of clothing, shoes, porcelain, and steel from certain Asian and Eastern European countries may require licenses.
Restrictions on Imports
The list of prohibited imports includes certain veterinary and plant materials, freon, non-registered pharmaceuticals and chemical, biological, and nuclear weapons.
Controls on Exports
The Czech Republic adheres to international export controls and works in close cooperation with the United States and other Western countries in implementing export controls on certain sensitive technologies. U.S. export controls on items exported from the United States to the Czech Republic are generally similar to those in effect on items exported to other Western European destinations. Contact the U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Export Administration, Washington, D.C. (Tel.: (202) 482-2547, Fax: (202) 482-3617) for details on U.S. export controls.
Entering Temporary Imports
Temporary exemptions from duty are allowed for certain items, such as merchandise samples and items for display at trade shows or exhibitions. The Czech Republic also accepts ATA carnets as a way of facilitating temporary admission through customs. For more information about obtaining a carnet for clearance of goods, samples or equipment intended for temporary entry only, contact your local U.S. Department of Commerce Export Assistance Center.
Companies exporting goods to the Czech Republic for the purpose of temporary use may do so as long as the period does not exceed 24 months (in some cases it is possible to extend this). The exact time period must be agreed upon with Czech Customs. When the goods are re-exported, three percent of the duty value per month that the goods resided in the Czech Republic must be paid if the goods were used (maximum will not exceed full duty amount). The potential customs debt must be secured by a guarantee.
Exports to the Czech Republic of raw materials and certain semi-finished products that are processed and then re-exported from the European Union enter duty-free. This is contingent upon the approval by Czech Customs of the conditions of processing and the handling of any waste caused through transformation of the goods.
Free Trade Zone Options
There are 10 free trade zones established in several cities throughout the Czech Republic. Materials, components and semi-finished products are exempted from customs duties or VAT if they are imported into a free trade zone. If the goods are then used in the manufacturing or processing of a final product that is then re-exported, they are also exempted from duties or VAT. Duties and VAT are applied on the declared value of the goods if they are cleared for free circulation within the European Union. Similar rules apply to goods placed in a bonded warehouse; however, manufacturing operations are generally not permitted there.
Local Standards
The Czech Republic has harmonized its standards with European norms. Products certified in the Czech Republic or another EU member state can be marketed in the Czech Republic. In addition, products certified to meet EU standards (identified by the “CE” mark) by authorized U.S. testing laboratories are acceptable. ISO 9000 standards are being used increasingly in the Czech Republic as evidence of high product quality. Domestically, the “Czech Made” mark is an award given to products that are judged to be of outstanding quality, environmentally friendly, and favorable to energy consumption. This award is given to Czech products that are produced by a company or entrepreneur registered in the Czech Republic, with at least 60 percent Czech content measured by the cost of the final product.
Organization
The organization that develops and maintains standards within the Czech Republic is The Czech Office for Standards, Metrology and Testing. Their Web site (www.unmz.cz/index_en.html) outlines the Legislation in Force, International Contract Documents, as well as harmonized standards in accordance to particular government orders.
Conformity Assessment
The list of acceptable conformity assessment bodies in the Czech Republic listed by the European Commission is found at http://europa.eu.int/comm/enterprise/nando-is/home/index.cfm.
Additionally the United States and the European Union have entered into a conformity assessment agreement in an effort to unify assessment conditions between the U.S. and EU. This agreement specifies the conditions by which each Party will accept or recognize results of conformity assessment procedures, produced by the other Party’s conformity assessment bodies or authorities. More information and details of this agreement can be found at http://www.useu.be/docs/mra98.pdf.
Product Certification
Some products require certification before a declaration of conformity can be issued. Depending on the nature of the goods, a veterinary health certificate and/or a certificate of origin (for concessionary customs rates, if applicable) can also be required. Products containing genetically modified organisms require special approvals.
Government to Government Mutual Recognition Agreements between the U.S. and the EU are listed on the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s Web site (http://ts.nist.gov/ts/htdocs/210/gsig/mra.htm).
Accreditation
The Czech Accreditation Institute, Public Service Company, National Accreditation Body, was established by the government of the Czech Republic. It provides services in conformity with legal regulations concerning accreditation. CAI accredits both state and private org
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