What does "release for free circulation" mean in the context of import customs clearance?
The "release for free circulation" is a step under customs law in which imported goods from a non-EU country are officially transferred to the EU market.
What happens in the process?
- Payment of all applicable duties (customs duties, import sales tax, excise duties if applicable)
- Checking legal requirements (e.g. import regulations, product safety, licenses)
Result:Only after this procedure may the goods:
- freely sold
- used
- or further processed
This ensures that all imported products comply with EU legal requirements.