This book is written for small and medium exporters, their advisers, students and others with an interest in engaging in international business transactions with a firm in a member country of the European Union (EU). It seeks to provide an introduction to some of the more significant EU-wide laws and procedures of which business firms outside of the EU need to be aware before embarking upon their business venture. It is impossible to canvass all of the relevant laws and procedures because, not only is the volume of EU legislation extensive, but also much business activity still remains regulated at the individual EU member state level. Thus, the book is introductory and contains references to other sources, including internet sites that the reader can use to obtain more information on the particular legal issue being discussed.

In each chapter of the book an attempt has been made to place the legal issues in an international business context. The aim is to provide readers with information not only on relevant EU laws but also on how those laws might apply in an international business transaction. There are case studies in each chapter to provide examples of this. While every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided is up to date and accurate, readers should always obtain legal advice from locally qualified lawyers with regard to any particular transaction that they may be contemplating. This is stressed throughout the book along with the reasons for it.