New Market Access Opportunities in the EAEU for International Trade

The fall of the Berlin Wall in 1987 resulted in the end of the Cold War and opening of the market for western products in all of the former Soviet Union. 
To support customers, not least major IT manufacturers, and facilitate market access for their products in those new markets, Nemko has already since the mid-1990s, had agreements with various certification/approval bodies in that region.

In 2014, the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) was established as a multi-national free trade agreement between Kazakhstan, Armenia, Kyrgyzstan, Russia and Belarus, creating a single market for goods, services, capital, and labor, much like the European Union (EU).
The establishment of the EAEU was at the time perceived as something positive for international trade as well as start of a stabilizing factor for the Eurasian region.
The war in Ukraine has clearly changed that perception entirely. Western sanctions have since significantly affected the nature and extent of trade with- as well as between the EAEU member states.

Today, however, the EAEU countries which are not affected by the western sanctions, are still an interesting market for international trade. And, to meet demands for assistance with market access, Nemko recently entered a collaboration agreement with the certification body Kazexpoaudit in Kazakhstan. The agreement means that Nemko customers can be confident of obtaining market access.

Key benefits of the new agreement:

• Kazepoaudit is regarded as a reliable local certification partner for obtaining compliant EAC CoC and EAC DoC  certificates,
• Nemko can now offer access to a more comprehensive set of certification services, streamlining the process for manufacturers and exporters targeting the EAEU markets.
  Experience has shown over time that Kazexpoaudit’s certificates are recognized throughout the region.
• The agreement broadens Nemko’s market access services for the EAEU to include also Ex-equipment (explosion-protected equipment) and Machinery, in addition to the existing portfolio with RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances), EMC (Electromagnetic Compatibility), and Electrical Safety.

Important note:
It must be noted that for market access to countries not directly subject to western sanctions, manufacturers/ exporters must still take into due account the existing sanctions and embargo regimes and whether these apply also for potential indirect market access. Nemko’s market access services do not include vetting of sanctions or compliance with embargoes. This remains customers’ sole responsibility.

For more information and/or certification for EAEU member countries, please contact Lars.Hjerpseth@nemko.com.

(This article is based on the information provided by Lars Hjerpseth ; edited by T.Sollie)