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Entering the EU through distributors from the United States: evidence, compliance, logistics and the first contact — what differs from home.
6 guides · Last updated 8 November 2026
For US manufacturersTen routes compared on data source, coverage and published price: Commercial Service, STEP, directories, databases, EEN, trade fairs and Cresques.
For US manufacturersEU distributors can claim notice and end-of-contract pay that a New York law clause will not remove. Eight countries compared, with a first-draft checklist.
For US manufacturersBefore the first meeting: CE marking (a UL listing is not enough), an EU responsible operator, GDPR-ready outreach, email rules, e-invoicing and local data.
For US manufacturersStart with a distributor, not a subsidiary: find who already sells your category from award notices, learn how the door opens, and make first contact lawfully.
For US manufacturersUnder DAP your EU distributor imports the goods and deducts the import VAT; under DDP you become the importer and need an EORI number and VAT advice.
For US manufacturersSAM.gov posts federal opportunities and USAspending shows who won; TED does both for EU tenders above thresholds. What each one reveals about distributors.
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