Slovak Chamber of Commerce and Industry

What it means

The Slovak Chamber of Commerce and Industry is an organisation that represents business interests and provides services to companies, mainly in foreign trade. It issues certificates of non-preferential origin of goods and ATA carnets, and certifies commercial documents for foreign partners.

The chamber runs an arbitration court that resolves commercial disputes as an alternative to state courts. It also comments on legislation, organises trade missions, fairs and training, and through its regional chambers provides information on markets and partners.

Membership is voluntary, unlike in some countries where it is compulsory. Many services, such as certificates of origin and ATA carnets, are also available to non-members, although members often pay lower fees and have access to additional services.

How it works in practice

When exporting to some countries outside the EU, the customer or customs authorities require a certificate of non-preferential origin. The exporter submits an application with documents on production or purchase of the goods, and the chamber issues the certificate after checking them. Non-preferential origin differs from preferential origin, which gives entitlement to reduced duty.

An ATA carnet allows goods such as samples, exhibition items or professional equipment to be exported temporarily without paying duty and VAT in the country of temporary use. The chamber issues the carnet and guarantees any duty if the goods are not returned, so it requires security.

If the parties include an arbitration clause in favour of the chamber's arbitration court, disputes are decided by an arbitral tribunal instead of a state court. Arbitration tends to be faster and confidential, and awards are enforceable abroad.

What to watch out for

A certificate of origin must reflect reality. False origin information can lead to additional duty in the destination country, sanctions and loss of trust. The exporter must be able to prove where and how the goods were made and keep supporting documents for possible checks.

Arbitration is not always suitable. Arbitration clauses are restricted in consumer disputes, and for smaller sums the arbitration court's fees can be high. Before including a clause in a contract, compare the costs and benefits with proceedings before a state court.