Import Regulations – Hungary

Hungary and Australia enjoy substantial links in the fields of business, politics and trade. Australia's economic relations with Hungary are facilitated by a bilateral Double Taxation Agreement and an Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement.

Tariff
The tariff system is the EU's TARIC system whereas Australian products belong to 'Third country origin'. Duties are ad valorem, assessed in harmony with GATT conventions.

An import licence is not required except for a small number of the following goods:
• military equipment;
• arms and ammunition;
• materials for biological weapons;
• hazardous materials;
• psychotropic products;
• uranium ore;
• nuclear products.

Product certification, labelling, packaging and quoting
Hungary follows the European Union’s requirements in product certification. Depending on the item the following information may be required: product name, ingredients, producer, place of origin, importer and the licence numbers.

Strict rules apply to labelling and marking of food, cosmetic and household products. The primary requirement for food is that labelling information must be in Hungarian. It involves placing a sticker printed in Hungarian over existing packaging. Besides, there are specific marking and labelling requirements for human and animal pharmaceuticals. Specific references on technical (eg. electric) certificates issued by Hungarian authorities must be attached to the individual packing. There are no special requirements to packing. Specific requirements may be stipulated in the contract.

Quotes should be in convertible currencies (Euros, Pound Sterling, US dollars, and Australia dollars). The method of payment is usually stipulated in the contract.

Documentary requirements
Commercial invoice has no prescribed form. One copy in Hungarian is required by customs. Additional copies must be stipulated in the contract. Invoices must be signed by the shipper and show the following:
• the country of origin and purchase of goods;
• the names and addresses of shipper and consignee;
• the number of packages and a description of the outer packing;
• a precise description of the goods as per the combined customs nomenclature;
• the quantity and value of the goods.
There are no specific requirements to bill of lading. Bills should be made out to Antwerp or other European ports only (ie. no through bills).