Essential insights for Monaco's global trade participants.

The Monaco Economic Board hosted a conference alongside the Nice Regional Customs Directorate and the Monaco Customs Office, focusing on the topic "Enhancing your international competitiveness through free trade agreements and rules of origin." The presentation was clear and packed with valuable insights for professionals in the Principality.

Around forty Monegasque executives and export managers assembled in the Runway room at MonacoTech, where Etienne Pollet, Business Advisor at the Nice Regional Customs and Indirect Duties Directorate, along with Muriel Deya, Head of French Customs in the Principality, showcased the practical benefits that companies can gain from the various free trade agreements established by the European Union. It's important to note that even though Monaco is not an EU member, it is part of the Community customs territory.

These agreements offer, under specific conditions, lowered or even eliminated customs duties for importing goods into signatory nations. To maximise these benefits, companies must understand how to determine the preferential origin of their products and be well-versed in the necessary supporting documents for customs procedures.

The speakers highlighted the online services offered by Customs, including Access2Markets, which provides a rich array of frequently updated information—a significant benefit during this time of global uncertainty. Additionally, the site features a self-assessment tool for rules of origin, helping users estimate potential customs duty costs.

To enhance their presentation, Etienne Pollet and Muriel Deya presented multiple practical cases that demonstrated the tangible effects of utilising rules of origin in trade.

After the presentation, a discussion session provided participants with detailed answers to their questions, emphasising the significance of this meeting for Monaco's globally focused businesses.

This conference aligns with MEB's mission to advocate for and support Monegasque companies in their international initiatives, particularly through its export formalities service.

 Photo credits: MEB / P.H. Sébastien Darrasse