Polish cosmetics manufacturer gives the world a makeover EU trade agreements lower customs duties and other barriers to trade, helping

European companies enter new markets

• Trade agreements are particularly important for cosmetics producers because they lower customs duties and simplify complicated certification procedures.

• Inglot has over 600 boutiques in more than 80 countries, including Colombia.

From its beginnings in Przemy�l, Poland, in 1983, Inglot Cosmetics has become one of the world’s leading cosmetics manufacturers. It went global in 2006, starting in Canada, followed by the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, India, Turkey and the USA. Inglot now has more than 600 shops in 80 countries and opens 60 to 70 more every year.

Inglot cosmetics are high quality, not tested on animals and include a huge variety of colour combinations. The firm develops its products in collaboration with universities around the world. Opening cosmetics stores abroad takes upwards of three months and expansion is made harder by competition and stringent regulations. Inglot has had to submit over 3000 pages of documentation to do business in some countries with which the EU does not have a trade deal.

The EU’s 2013 trade deal with Colombia and Peru cut customs duties and simplified rules. It eased Inglot’s move into South America, which took place in the same year. The company now has 14 shops in Colombia and 11 in Peru. An Inglot lipstick is one of the top products sold by a leading South American online retailer and Inglot is preparing collections in decorative packaging for Colombia and Peru. Almost all of Inglot’s products are made in Przemy�l, where with over 600 staff the firm is the largest employer. The number of employees is increasing by 12-15% a year. Inglot is now planning to open its first shop in South Korea, a country with which the EU also has a trade deal.

Did you know? • On average, each €1 billion of exports supports

14 000 jobs across the EU. • In Poland alone, 1 in 8 jobs are supported by

exports to countries outside the EU.

Inglot has over 600 boutiques in more than 80 countries. The number of employees is increasing by 12-15% a year.

“The removal of import and export duties is a key ingredient to trade. We not only save money on the goods we trade, but the administrative burdens of customs procedures are also greatly reduced.”

Almost all of Inglot’s products are made in Przemy�l, where with over 600 staff the firm is the largest employer.

The EU’s trade agreement with Colombia and Peru The EU’s trade agreement with Colombia and Peru entered into force in 2013. It lowered trade barriers and boosted the competitiveness of small and large businesses in the EU countries and in Colombia and Peru. It has been forecasted to result in total tariff savings for European and Andean companies of more than €500 million per year. Discover more about the EU’s trade relations with Columbia and Peru: http://ec.europa.eu/trade/policy/countries-and-regions/regions/andean-community/ Check out more examples of businesses that export from the EU: http://ec.europa.eu/trade/trade-policy-and-you/in-focus/exporters-stories/

Did you know? • Poland is the 6th largest producer of cosmetics in

Europe. Over half of cosmetics produced in Poland are exported.

• Since the EU-Colombia trade agreement entered into force in 2013, EU exports to Colombia have increased by an average of 7% each year.

Zbigniew Inglot, Chairman of the Board, Inglot Cosmetics