Ten defined steps. Clear outputs at every stage. Priced to your situation.
The ten steps below are designed to give you a clear picture of what entering the European market actually involves — and what you will have at the end of each stage. Every step can be priced individually, based on your industry, company size, product range, and specific requirements. You do not need to commit to the full program from day one.
Some clients start at Step 1 with no prior European presence. Others join at Step 3 or Step 5 because they have already done some groundwork. We adapt the program to where you are — not where we assume you should be.
For companies that already have some European activities, partnerships, or distribution in place, and for manufacturers with complex or non-standard requirements, we prepare a tailored plan and individual pricing based on a detailed assessment of your current situation, goals, and market position. Contact us to discuss your specific case.
Each step builds on the previous one. Each step has a defined output you can use — whether or not you continue to the next stage.
A structured overview of your product category in the European market: total market size, import volumes from China, key segments, price levels, and demand trends. Where does your industry sit in Europe — and how large is the opportunity?
This step also includes a regional breakdown of Europe — which countries are most relevant for your product category, and why.
Output: Industry & market overview reportA complete list of what you will need to enter the European market: CE certification requirements for your product category, regulatory obligations, labeling standards, EU Authorized Representative requirements, and any sector-specific rules.
No surprises later. Everything documented before you invest.
Output: EU entry requirements checklist for your productBased on Steps 1 and 2, we identify the 1–3 European markets that offer the best combination of opportunity, entry complexity, and fit with your product and capacity. Each recommended market receives a structured description: market size, key distribution channels, buyer behavior, competitive landscape, and recommended entry approach.
Not 27 countries. The right 1–3 to start.
Output: Priority market selection report with market profilesWho is already selling in your category in the target markets? What are they selling, at what price, through which channels? Where are the gaps that your product can fill?
This step gives you a realistic picture of the competitive environment you will be entering — and identifies where EBDT recommends you position your product.
Output: Competitive landscape report for target marketsWhich European trade shows are most relevant for your product category and target markets? What are the costs, visitor profiles, and typical outcomes? Which exhibitions give you direct access to distributors versus end customers?
We identify the right events and help you develop a trade show strategy that matches your budget and goals.
Output: Trade show calendar and participation recommendationsA realistic, itemized estimate of what it will cost to enter your target markets properly: certification costs, EU legal representation, warehousing and logistics, distributor margin requirements, marketing and trade show costs, and EBDT program fees.
This is the number most advisors avoid giving you. We give it to you before you commit.
Output: EU entry cost estimate — by category and marketHow should your European distribution be structured? Direct to retailers, through national distributors, through a master distributor, or a hybrid model? What margins will each layer require? What volume thresholds make each model viable?
We design the distribution structure that fits your product, your capacity, and your target margin — and identify the first distributor candidates in each target market.
Output: Distribution structure proposal + initial distributor longlistSupport through the CE certification process for your product category. Identification of the right testing laboratories and Notified Bodies. Guidance on EU Authorized Representative appointment. Support for establishing a European legal presence if required — branch office, subsidiary, or representative office.
We coordinate the process. You focus on your product.
Output: Certification roadmap + legal establishment recommendationsOngoing monitoring of defined KPIs: distributor sell-through, market coverage, competitive position, certification status, and revenue against plan. Regular check-ins to identify what is working, what needs adjustment, and what the next priority is.
Europe is not a one-time decision. It is a process that requires active management.
Output: Monthly or quarterly progress reports against defined goalsAt defined intervals — 6, 12, 18, and 24 months — a comprehensive report comparing planned versus actual results: revenue, distribution coverage, market position, and cost of entry versus return.
Each report includes a full SWOT analysis of your European position and a recommended strategy for the next period. This document gives your management the clear picture they need to make informed decisions about European investment.
Output: Annual report — planned vs. actual results + SWOT + next-period strategyTell us where you are. We'll tell you where to start.