Identifies common practices to be aware of when selling in this market, e.g., whether all sales material need to be in the local language.

Iceland is member of the EEA which connects it to the EU internal market. All labelling requirement is subject to EU rules and regulations. This goes for agricultural products as well. All electronics must have the CE marking. For more information see Iceland’s Electricity Safety webpage.

There are many U.S. products on the Icelandic market and Icelanders are very familiar with leading U.S. brand names.  Numerous U.S. franchise businesses operate, particularly in the fast food and restaurant sector.  Popular U.S. television programs are broadcast in Iceland and first-run U.S. films play in Icelandic cinemas (in English with Icelandic subtitles).  Many Icelanders have worked, studied, or traveled in the U.S. and have a first-hand familiarity with American tastes and life-styles.  Although Icelandic culture is unique, the consumption habits of Icelanders resemble those of Americans in many ways.  Most communities outside the Reykjavík area are small, and the country can be considered a single market area.
 

Prepared by our U.S. Embassies abroad. With its network of 108 offices across the United States and in more than 75 countries, the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the U.S. Commercial Service trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.