Doing Business in
Estonia
Produced by the UKTI Team in Tallinn Contact: Elena Sedova Email: elena.sedova@fco.gov.uk Last Updated: August 2011 The purpose of the Doing Business guides, prepared by UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) is to provide information to help recipients form their own judgments about making business decisions as to whether to invest or operate in a particular country. The Report’s contents were believed (at the time that the Report was prepared) to be reliable, but no representations or warranties, express or implied, are made or given by UKTI or its parent Departments (the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS)) as to the accuracy of the Report, its completeness or its suitability for any purpose. In particular, none of the Report’s contents should be construed as advice or solicitation to
purchase or sell securities, commodities or any other form of financial instrument. No liability is accepted by UKTI, the FCO or BIS for any loss or damage (whether consequential or otherwise) which may arise out of or in connection with the Report.
Are you a member of a UK company wishing to export overseas? Interested in entering or expanding your activity in the Portuguese market? Then this guide is for you! The main objective of this Doing Business Guide is to provide you with basic knowledge about Estonia; an overview of its economy, business culture, potential opportunities and an introduction to other relevant issues. Novice exporters, in particular will find it a useful starting point. Further assistance is available from the UKTI team in Estonia. Full contact details are available at the end of this guide. Important Information - Sanctions and Embargoes Some countries maybe subject to export restrictions due to sanctions and embargoes placed on them by the UN or EU. Exporting companies are responsible for checking that their goods can be exported and that they are using the correct licences. Further information is available on the Department for Business, Innovation & Skills (BIS)
Content 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.
Introduction ............................................................................................................................................... 5 Preparing to Export to Estonia ................................................................................................................ 9 How to do business in Estonia ................................................................................................................ 9 Business Etiquette, Language and Culture .......................................................................................... 14 What are the challenges?....................................................................................................................... 15 How to Invest in Estonia ........................................................................................................................ 16 Contacts .................................................................................................................................................... 17 Resources/Useful Links ........................................................................................................................... 19
1.
Introduction
Estonia is one of the three Baltic States located on the east coast of the Baltic Sea. Its geographical neighbors are Finland, Russia and Latvia. Before the global crises in 2008-09 Estonia had one of the fastest growing economies in the EU enjoying double digit GDP growth rates. The hit from crises was hard and the economy contracted and pushed up the unemployment rate. However, the state has kept its finances in very good condition and that has been a good platform for emerging new growth in Estonia. It has successfully attracted foreign investment and refocused its trade from east to west, turning into the vital trading point between CIS, Russia and Western Europe. Privatization has been completed, its banking system is healthy and entry into the EU in 2004 and to euro-zone in 2011 have created stability and growth. Stable political situation as well as the membership in the EU and NATO make Estonia an excellent place for doing business. There are good possibilities in many areas for British businesses, which are generally well received in Estonia.
Strengths of the market In brief these are:
Open Economy, used to imports, early adopter of new technologies. Stable political environment with EU and NATO membership since 2004. Substantial funding has been made available from EU Structural Funds. Size of the market makes it excellent place for new to export companies & SMEs. Existing business links and knowledge of Russian and CIS markets. Western business culture with English widely spoken. People are willing to work hard and are hungry for success, being open to change, new opportunities and technologies. Easy access to the country and well developed infrastructure. Low-cost direct flights from UK to Tallinn.
Opportunities in Estonia Estonia has a great affinity with the UK. The two countries had strong trading links already before the Soviet occupation, and there is much potential for UK exporters in Estonia’s newly restored market economy. Priority sectors identified by UK Trade & Investment are:
Biotechnology Environment Education EU funded projects Food & Drink
ICT Power & Energy Ports
In addition, there are other sectors which present good opportunities for business, including: Creative & Media, Chemicals, Security, Tourism and Leisure.
Trade between UK and Estonia The majority of Estonia’s trade is with EU countries. Estonia’s main trade partners are Finland, Sweden, Latvia, Lithuania, Germany, and Russia. United Kingdom ranked 13 th as country of destination and 11th as country of consignment in 2009. The main commodities imported to the UK from Estonia include food and beverages, machinery, vehicles, plastics and rubber products, raw chemicals and fertilisers. Please see the UK’s main exports to Estonia in the below table. Goods dispatched to Estonia from the UK in Jan-Feb 2011 – top 7 product groups Goods Description Food and Beverages Machinery specialized for particular industries Vehicles, aircrafts, vessels Plastics and rubber products Textile yarn, fabrics, made up articles etc Chemicals Base metals
£ millions 14,7 10,2 2,8 2,1 1,8 1,8 1
Economic Overview Estonia’s economic stability and success has been a clearly set goal by the Government of Estonia, based on balanced (or surplus) state budgets and liberal trade and investment laws. Stringent fiscal policies allowed Estonia to become the 17th member of the eurozone on 1 January 2011. Estonia’s openness to business is globally recognised: The Heritage Foundation ranked Estonia 14th in their Economic Freedom Index of 2011 and World Bank ranked Estonia 17th in its Doing Business 2011 report. Main indicators of the economy GDP chain linked volume change compared to the previous year (%) GDP at current prices (EUR billion) Consumer price index (%) Unemployment rate (%) Average monthly wage (EUR) Source: Estonian Statistics Department
2010
1Q 2011
3.1 14 500.9 3.0 16.9 792
8.5 3 709. 14.4 792
Estonian economy has grown at a very high pace in the last decade and especially since EU accession in 2004. GDP growth peaked at 10.4 per cent in 2006. In 2007 the economy started cooling down and the global economic crisis hit the Estonian economy hard. The difficult economic environment that hiked unemployment forced companies to seek efficiency gains. Decreasing prices and wages paved the way for Estonia’s next economic growth period. In 2010 Estonia’s GDP grew 3.1%. Analysts forecast 4-5% growth for 2011 and 2012.
In 2010, half of the value added of economic activities in Estonia came from the following three sectors: real estate, renting and business activities; manufacturing; and wholesale and retail trade. The main manufacturing industries in Estonia produce electrical and optical equipment, timber and wood products, food and drink, and fabricated metal products. Estonia’s main trade partners are Finland, Sweden, Germany, Russia, Latvia and Lithuania. United Kingdom ranked 12th as country of destination and 11th as country of consignment in 2010. The first months of 2011 have witnessed considerable growth in the bilateral trade figures for UK and Estonia. Estonia’s main export and import commodities are machinery and equipment, mineral products, metals and products thereof, agricultural products and food, and transport equipment. Most companies in Estonia are small and medium sized, or more specifically, micro companies. Only 0.4% of Estonian companies employ over 250 people. The Estonian tax system consists of state taxes provided and imposed by tax acts and local taxes imposed by a rural municipality or city council in its administrative territory pursuant to law. Resident companies and permanent establishments of foreign entities (including branches) are subject to income tax only in respect of all distributed profits (both actual and deemed). For additional information on Estonia’s economy you may also wish to check the following sources: IMF’s Estonia Country Info Pages OECD’s Estonia Country Pages Estonia’s State Website Statistics Estonia Bank of Estonia Estonia's economic success has been built on stable currency, liberal foreign trade regime, liberalisation of prices, abolition of state subsidies, fast privatisation and effective bankruptcy legislation. As a result, Estonia has advanced fast in terms of stabilising and restructuring the economy and rewarded with high levels of foreign direct investment. The Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs www.mfa.ee produces Estonian Economy a monthly survey which gives key economic statistical data on Estonia.
Population The current population of Estonia is approximately 1.340 million people from which 68.6% are Estonians, 25.6% Russians and 5.6 % other nationalities. The prevalence of females over males accounts for approximately 8% with 53.9% and 46.1% of females and males respectively. About 65% of Estonian population lives in urban areas, of which approximately 1/2 in Tallinn.
Political Overview Estonia is a stable parliamentary republic. The highest body of state power is the one house Parliament, Riigikogu, which has 101 members. On 26 September 2006, Mr
Toomas Hendrik Ilves was elected President of Estonia replacing Mr Arnold Ruutel who had held the position since 2001. In March 2011 Andrus Ansip was elected to serve his third term as Prime Minister after Estonia’s sixth parliamentary elections since independence in 1991. The Government assumed office led by Andrus Ansip on 6 April 2011. The Government consists of two political parties the Reform Party and the Union of Pro Patria and Res Publica.
Getting here and advice about your stay FCO Travel Advice The FCO website has travel advice to help you prepare for your visits overseas and to stay safe and secure while you are there. For advice please visit the FCO Travel section
Getting here By air There are direct flights from London to Tallinn from Gatwick (operated by Estonian Air), Stansted Airport (operated by EasyJet), Luton, Manchester, East Midlands and Edinburgh (operated by Ryanair). The flight takes around 3 hours. In addition, numerous other airlines (AirBaltic, SAS and Lufthansa) offer indirect services from the UK although fares may vary widely. At the airport Tallinn Airport is the only international airport in Estonia. It is situated 4km southeast of the city centre. Taxi from Tallinn airport to the city centre costs around 10-12 euro (approx £9-£11). The journey may take up to take 15-20 minutes. Alternatively the regular bus service operates between the airport and the city. The costs is approximately £1.5 and can be paid directly to the driver. Ferry Ferries operate between Helsinki and Tallinn throughout the year, during the summer fast catamarans and hydrofoils also operate. Rail Commuter Services operate in the Tallinn area, and there are connections (often quite slow) to most major towns. Tallinn has good rail connections with Moscow. Road Estonia has a very extensive bus network linking every area of the country. Tickets can be bought in advance, or often from the driver. If travelling during the holiday season, it can be advisable to book in advance. The international car hire firms Avis, Hertz and Europcar all have bureaux in Estonia. Roads are generally of a good standard but can be dangerous in winter due to ice (winter tyres are mandatory). Driving is on the right. Speed limits are in the city 50 km/h, on the highway 90 km/h, during summer 110 km/h.
City transport All Estonian towns have bus and taxi services. Tallinn also has trolleybuses and trams. Bus trolleybus and tram tickets are sold at news-stands and from the driver and have to be validated (punched) on board. Services normally run from 06.00 am to midnight. Visas EU residents do not require a visa to enter Estonia but should hold a valid passport. For additional information and Help for British Nationals guide, please check www.ukinestonia.fco.gov.uk. Your stay The Estonian Official Tourism website will help you plan your trip.
2.
Preparing to Export to Estonia
In most cases doing business in Estonia requires local representation in the form of an agent or distributor. It would be wise to approach the market with a developed business plan and to undertake careful market research to ensure that companies' products or services are checked with market professionals in the context of the Estonian market. UKTI’s team in Estonia can provide a range of services to British-based companies wishing to grow their business in the Estonian market. Our services include the provision of market information, validated lists of agents/potential partners, key market players or potential customers; establishing the interest of such contacts in working with the company; and arranging appointments. In addition, they can also organise events for you to meet contacts or promote a company and its products/services. You can commission these services under which are chargeable and operated by UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) to assist British-based companies wishing to enter or expand their business in overseas markets. Under this service, the Embassy's Trade & Investment Advisers, who have wide local experience and knowledge, can identify business partners and provide the support and advice most relevant to your company's specific needs in the market. To find out more about commissioning work, please contact your local UKTI office. See www.uktradeinvest.gov.uk
3.
How to do business in Estonia
What companies should consider when doing business It is important to seek professional advice regarding legal, financial and taxation aspects of doing business in Estonia. It is also necessary to bear in mind the associated costs of administering everything in Estonian, including marketing, correspondence, company returns etc.
The criteria for establishing company's residence for tax purposes is incorporation in Estonia. Resident tax payers are subject to income tax on their world-wide income. Branches/permanent establishments are subject to tax on activity in Estonia. A grey economy exists where cash payments are expected, sometimes without receipts. The age group that has come to the fore in all trading is 30 to 50 years old. This group forms the majority of the high-income group, i.e. those in the top ten per cent. Inexperience can sometimes lead to mistakes as the market economy becomes more developed. British citizens enjoy visa free entry for visits to Estonia. A new business visa has been introduced to make it easier for foreign managers and specialists to run their Estonian operations. The Estonian Government has approved a bill to ratify the European social insurance code that will regulate medical aid, sick leave, unemployment, old age pensions and allowances for the disabled, victims of accidents at work, and allowances to mothers with small children.
Gateways/Locations – Key areas for business Principal commercial centers and towns in Estonia are Tallinn and Harjumaa county, Narva and Ida-Virumaa county, Tartu and Pärnu. Tallinn being the capital of Estonia is traditionally the financial and administrative centre of the country. Branches and representations of major international corporations as well as Tallinn Port - the major gateway and distribution center of Estonia are located here. The standard of living, property costs and consequently costs of business operation in Tallinn are higher, than those in other parts of the country. Ida-Virumaa county which is located approximately 150 km north-east from Tallinn is traditionally considered to be the industrial center of the country. Major oil shale mining and processing sites, the biggest Estonian power plant as well as textile manufacturing are located here. The unofficial capital of Ida-Virumaa is Narva city, which is also the border city of EU and Russia. The demographics of Ida-Virumaa is characterized by high concentration of Russian speaking population. The standard of living and labor costs here are considerably lower than in Tallinn. Tartu city is well known for its famous University, called Tartu University, which was founded in 1888. Tartu is the centre of scientific research and development. All major biotech companies are located here. Tartu also has one of the most advanced science parks in Estonia. Pärnu the fourth largest city in Estonia is located on the south coast of the Baltic Sea about 150 km from Tallinn. It is also called the Summer Capital of Estonia as offers excellent opportunities for tourism and leisure. A lot of hotels and SPA centres are located here.
Market entry and start up Considerations
British companies can approach the Estonian market in several ways:
Direct export Set up an agency Appoint a distributor Form a joint venture Set up local manufacturing Acquire entire or part of Estonian company
In most cases doing business in Estonia requires local representation in the form of an agent or distributor. It is relatively easy to appoint a distributor and there are no legal barriers to agents and distributors operating for a UK company within Estonia. The appointment of a local partner/representative will be the first step. It is vital to follow up shortly after the initial contact has being made. Most companies would expect to receive product specifications and prices already during the early phases of communication. It is then recommened to visit the market to establish personal relationships with the potential partner. There are six types of business entity are provided for under the Commercial code:
General Partnership or Limited Partnership Private Limited Company Public Limited Company Co-operative Association Sole Proprietor
A foreign company can practice using a Branch Office. The company must enter the branch in the Commercial Register and appoint a director or directors for the branch. At least one director must reside in Estonia. The company is also required to keep separate accounts for the branch. If a UK company, ABC Ltd, wishes to open a representative office in Estonia then it is necessary to form an Estonian branch of the company ABC Eesti OU or AS. Joint venture partnerships and acquisition options are chosen by many foreign companies seeking a market share. The success in this form of relationship will very much depend on the nature of the product/service and the level of domestic competition. Depending on the size of the business as high a level of representation as possible should be sent to Estonia or first contacts. If the company is very small then the Chairman or equivalent is usually expected to attend. Large companies will be expected to send their relevant director, export manager etc. They will need to be flexible and resilient, particularly if they are to be located outside Tallinn. A language aptitude would be an advantage but by no means necessary. Interpreters are readily available at low cost.
Customs and Regulations Estonia introduced a liberal foreign trade regime with virtually no tariff or non-tariff barriers, which was unique in Europe. Estonia joined the WTO in December 1999. Commercial Samples and Temporary Imports The only economic import restrictions which apply in Estonia are identical to EU norms. Commercial samples and temporary import items should be declared on the manifest and/or invoice as being such. If the customs inspector is not satisfied, as to the goods being only for sample purposes or for temporary import, VAT at 20 % and/or relevant duties can be levied. It is always advisable to contact the Customs Department or your shipping/forwarder in advance of shipping to ensure what documentation is required. This will facilitate rapid handling at point of entry. The Estonian Customs Department has a website www.customs.ee ,which provides a full English translation of all relevant regulations concerning legislation, formalities, duties and tariffs in Estonia. Drawback and Bounties Once duties have been paid on an imported item there is no mechanism of drawback. Items which are for re-export should be declared as such on entry and arrangements made to store in a customs-free zone if applicable.
Legislation and Local Regulations Licencing A licence must be obtained to carry out certain activities. These areas include: mining, public utilities, reconstruction of the railways, airports, ports and dams, long-distance telecommunications, retail sales of pharmaceuticals, production of alcohol and tobacco, gambling, banking and insurance. Taxes The criteria for establishing company's residence for tax purposes is incorporation in Estonia. Resident tax payers are subject to income tax on their world-wide income. Branches/permanent establishments are subject to tax on activity in Estonia. Income tax Income as of year 2009 - 21% Corporate income tax Distribution as of year 2009 - 21/79 VAT Estonian VAT corresponds to the VAT of European countries and is charged at the rate of 20% (exceptional rates of 0% and 5% apply to certain goods and services). Full information on tax rates and regulations is available in English on the web site of the Estonian Tax Board www.emta.ee.
Anti-Dumping and Countervailing As a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO) all protocols of the organisation regarding dumping are in force within the territory of Estonia.
Responding to Tenders All public tenders of minimum value of € 40,000 (goods and services), €250,000 (construction) (VAT excl.) must be published on the web site of the Estonian Public Procurement Office. Tender information is in Estonian only. Tender documents have to be submitted in Estonian if not indicated otherwise. Deadlines for submission of tender documents are defined separately for each tender. All regutalions related to public procurement process in Estonia are available in English on the web site of the Office http://www.fin.ee/riigihanked.
Recruiting and Retaining Staffing There is an official recruitment office. Several private employment agencies also operate. However, recruitment is very effective through advertisements in the local press. Estonia has a well educated and skilled labour force. Labour costs are low by comparison with Western countries. Estonia's unemployment rate in 2011 was 14.4%. The average salary Q1 of 2011 was 792 euro (approx £633) per month.
Documentation Documentation requirements should be regarded as identical to EU norms. It may be necessary to provide Estonian language translations of some documents.
Labeling and Packaging Regulations All consumer goods should have a translation in Estonian attached to the packaging. This is most commonly done in the form of a post-production sticky label. Failure to do so can lead to prosection. For example in the case of foodstuffs the ingredients (including E nos) and consumption instructions should be clearly stated along with the importer's and producer's details. Pharmaceuticals should also include an Estonian and for some medicines also Russian language insert in the packaging and be approved for use by the Estonian State Agency of Medicines.
Getting your Goods to the Market There is a number of shipping lines operating services between the UK and Estonia. There is a container service operating between Tallinn and Felixstowe, a ro-ro service operates between Tallinn and Harwich and a mixed service from Hull and Ipswich to Tallinn.
The Port of Tallinn actually comprises several separate harbours which can handle all manor of vessels. The city harbours are complimented by the the excellent facilities at Muuga, to the east at Tallinn. Warehousing is plentiful and the shipping companies and agents can advise on the preferred opitions. The other routs to get your goods to Estonia are by air, by road, by post, express or courier service and rail. There is a large number of freight forwarders and logistic companies operating in Estonia. For more information please visit the web site of Estonian Freight Forwarders Association www.elea.ee, Port of Tallinn www.portoftallinn.com , Port of Sillamäe www.silport.ee.
Standards and Technical Regulation For information on standards and technical regulations in Estonia contact Estonian Centre for Standardisation (Eesti Standardikeskus) www.evs.ee.
Intellectual Property Rights According to the Estonian Patent Office, the results of human creativity require legal protection, i.e. intellectual property requires legal protection. Different types of intellectual property (works of art and literature, trade marks, inventions etc.) require specific legal protection. Works, which are not industrially manufactured, are protected by copyright. Intellectual property rights are different from copyright and related rights, because these rights are not granted automatically. Particular procedures should be followed in the Patent Office to obtain these rights. For more information please contact Estonian Patent Office T: +372 627 7911 F: +372 627 7912 Email helpdesk@epa.ee Web http://www.epa.ee/ and Estonian Author’s Society Eesti Autorite Ühing T: +372 6 684 360, 6 684 362 F: +372 6 684 361 E-mail eau@eau.org Web http://www.eau.org
4.
Business Etiquette, Language and Culture
Language Estonian is the official language of the Republic of Estonia but most businessmen and Government officials will also have a working knowledge of English. If people you are
meeting are from Estonia, any linguists in the party should speak in Estonian rather than practice any Russian they may know. By law, all transactions, contracts and company returns in country have to be in the Estonian language. Notarised translations in English normally accompany these. English is making tremendous headway as the accepted business language for international traders, though linguistic fluency can sometimes hide other shortcomings.
Meetings and Presentations When doing business in Estonia it is customary to shake hands with all business contacts at every meeting, not only on introduction. It is customary to wear a business suit or at least a jacket and tie for men and a business suit or something similarly appropriate for woman when conducting business. Business cards should be distributed to all attending a meeting. In the early stages of a business relationship the use of titles such as Mr, Mrs, Dr etc is appropriate.
Negotiations Small talk is not part of the business culture in Estonia. You may be expected to talk about the prices already during the early stages of communication. Some visitors have found that, despite being cordially met and having many meetings and discussions, they get no actual business. This can be imperceptible until after a long period of negotiation and incurred expense. If potential traders are forthright, with real means to back their intentions, trade will normally start after the second visit. It is unusual for Estonians to commit at the first meeting, even if it has been primed and/or pre-arranged. It is recommended to fix agreed terms and conditions on paper as an official agreement to avoid any misinterpretation later.
5.
What are the challenges?
As a member of the European Union, and an old trading partner of the UK, Estonia does not present major challenges to UK companies wishing to develop trade.
Getting Paid - Terms of Payment The preferred currencies for setting accounts are EURO and US Dollars but also other major convertible currencies. Opening a foreign currency account with any of the leading banks in Estonia is straightforward. Payment terms are somewhat more conservative than in the UK. Bank guarantees and letters of credit are in common usage, particularly when dealing with companies which trade internationally. Factoring is also increasingly used. Payment terms should be as accepted in the UK market. It is commonplace for Estonian to include an interest charge for late settlement of accounts. Payment collection can be contracted out to various agencies.
6.
How to Invest in Estonia
Since declaring Independence from the Soviet Union in 1991 Estonia has advanced quickly in terms of stabilising and restructuring its economy, and is now a member of the EU and euro currency zone. Estonia has pursued a liberal and open attitude towards foreign investors and has been rewarded with high levels of foreign direct investment (FDI) in comparison with other transition countries. Estonia's proximity to the main European markets, its key location between Eastern and Western Europe, its skilled labour force, its good electronic and physical communications, and relatively low wages give it a comparative advantage. Estonia's favourable economic and geographical position makes it a gateway for east and west as well as north and south connections. The capacity of its harbours exceeds the current Estonian demands for export, import and transit cargo. All ports have convenient road and rail connections. Companies partly or wholly owned by foreigners account for about one third of Estonian GDP and over 50 per cent of the country's exports. Foreign investors are welcomed and enjoy equal rights with local ones, including the same right to buy land. Although most FDI into Estonia came from its Nordic neighbours, companies from further afield, including Britain and the USA, are now investing heavily. Greenfield developments, joint ventures and acquisitions of local companies have proved popular. UK companies with offices in Estonia include RSA, Lloyd’s Register, GlaxoSmithKline, Pricewaterhouse Coopers and many others. The business environment is easier and more relaxed than in the West and there is a relatively simple taxation system.
Financial Assistance Estonia has a stable and well developed local banking and financial system. Banking processes are effective and highly IT intensive. Local commercial banks provide a full range of banking services to business and consumers. Typical services offered are the following:
Monetary depositing transactions Loan or credit transactions; Transfer payment transactions; Capital lease transactions; Factoring transactions; Transactions related to issuing and servicing of non-cash mediums in payment; Guarantee and other security transactions; Transactions with money-market instruments, foreign currency, financial and primary goods futures and options, exchange rate and interest rate instruments, marketable securities etc; Consulting clients in matters relating to economic activities.
There are also specialised Financial Institutions dealing with:
Venture Capital facilities, usually of foreign origins and dealing with small scale project finance Leasing Services provided mostly by branches of banks
The Insurance Market, mainly loss/damage particularly motor vehicle insurance Investment Funds
Corporate income tax was abolished on 1 January 2000 for profits reinvested in the business.
7.
Contacts
If you have a specific export enquiry about Estonia which is not answered by the information on this report, you may contact: UK Trade & Investment Enquiry Service Tel: +44 (0)20 7215 8000 Fax: +44 (0)141 228 3693 Email: enquiries@ukti.gsi.gov.uk UK Trade & Investment Market Desk in London Mr Martin Olds – Senior Country Manager Tel: +44 (0) 20 7215 4724 E-mail: martin.olds@ukti.gsi.gov.uk You may prefer to contact the team in Estonia directly: British Embassy UK Trade & Investment Section Wismari 6, 10136 Tallinn, Estonia Tel: + 372 667 4700 Fax: + 372 667 4725 URL: www.ukinestonia.fco.gov.uk Mr Indrek Pallo Regional Manager for the Baltics Tel +372 6674712 email: indrek.pallo@fco.gov.uk Ms Elena Sedova UK Trade Advisor Tel +372 6674738 email: elena.sedova@fco.gov.uk Mr Ralf-Martin Soe UK Trade Advisor Tel +372 6674720 email: Ralf-Martin.Soe@fco.gov.uk Ms Maarika Poldes UK Trade Advisor Tel +372 6674737 email maarika.poldes@fco.gov.uk UK Trade & Investment can help you make the most of these opportunities and help you plan your approach to the market. You may find out more about the range of services
available to UK companies trading internationally through your local International Trade Team. We hope that you have found this guide useful. For further information, please contact your International Trade Adviser or one of the UKTI team in Estonia.
8.
Resources/Useful Links
Business Link: International Trade Business Link’s International Trade pages provide an overview of export basics including licensing, customs procedures, classifying and movement of goods, other regulatory information and export paperwork issues. It also introduces exporters to the UK Trade Tariff. Essential reading for exporters! Find out more at: http://www.businesslink.gov.uk/bdotg/action/layer?r.s=tl&r.lc=en&topicId=1079717544
Country Information: BBC Website: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/country_profiles/default.stm FCO Country Profile: http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travel-and-living-abroad/travel-advice-by-country/country-profile/ Culture and communications: CILT – National Centre for Languages - Regional Language Network in your area: http://www.cilt.org.uk/workplace/employer_support/in_your_area.aspx Kwintessential culture guides: http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/ Customs & Regulations: HM Revenue & Customs: www.hmrc.gov.uk Import Controls and documentation (SITPRO): http://www.sitpro.org.uk Economic Information: Economist: http://www.economist.com/countries/ Export Control Export Control Organisation: http://www.berr.gov.uk/whatwedo/europeandtrade/strategic-export-control/index.html/strategicexport-control/index.html Export Finance and Insurance: ECGD: http://www.ecgd.gov.uk/
Intellectual Property Intellectual Property Office: www.ipo.gov.uk Market Access Market Access Database for Tariffs (for non-EU markets only): http://mkaccdb.eu.int/mkaccdb2/indexPubli.htm SOLVIT – Overcoming Trade Barriers (EU Markets only) www.bis.gov.uk/EUMarketAccessUnit Standard and Technical Regulations: British Standards Institution (BSI): http://www.bsigroup.com/en/sectorsandservices/Disciplines/ImportExport/ National Physical Laboratory: http://www.npl.co.uk/ Intellectual Property - http://www.ipo.gov.uk/ Trade Statistics: National Statistics Information: http://www.statistics.gov.uk/hub/index.html UK Trade Info: https://www.uktradeinfo.co.uk/ Travel Advice: FCO Travel: http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travel-and-living-abroad/ NHS: http://www.nhs.uk/nhsengland/Healthcareabroad/ Travel health: http://www.travelhealth.co.uk/