Slovakia's Export and Import of Raw Materials, Products and Supplies

On May of first 2004 the Slovak Republic became part of the common market without internal tax and customs borders between EU Member States, in which is the free movement of persons, goods, services and capital. This important step has repealed taxation on imported and exported goods from and/or to Member States of EU.

Taxation of imported and exported goods remains unchanged within those countries,which are not Member States of the European Union. Businesses registered in the European Union have the right to freely export and import goods within the EU. Member States may not restrict the amount of imported and exported goods, or trade in such goods. The right to free trade involves the right of free transit through the territories of Member States. According to European valid legislation, the prohibitions and restrictions are applicable to the imports, exports or transit of goods which may endanger its properties to public policy, public security, health and life of humans, animals, plants or the environment. Business activities with countries outside the EU different conditions apply. Slovak economy depends on trade in goods with other countries. Slovakia does not have enough raw materials needed for industrial production and that is what makes the development of foreign trade. Oil, natural gas, iron ore, bauxite, manganese ore, or coal must be imported from other countries. There is also an imports for machinery, equipment for factories, electronic machines, iron and many other products. They are not only heavy machinery and raw materials that are imported to Slovakia. Foreign trade is also on the import of food and food products.

As regards exports, production of some of our businesses is higher than the domestic consumption and their products are exported to foreign countries. Metallurgical industry processing iron and steel, manufactures engineering products, which are then exported abroad. From the minerals are exported mainly magnesium, of products is glass, lamps and paper as well as food products.