Dirk Schmidt-Waerdt, M.A., is the Managing Director of EuroTrade Gateway UG (haftungsbeschrankt), a German consultancy specializing in EU regulatory compliance for international e-commerce sellers. Renowned for translating dense European regulations into actionable steps, he supports global merchants with VAT registration, EORI processes, packaging licensing, WEEE obligations, GPSR-compliant product safety, and EU Responsible Person services. His mission is simple: make EU compliance manageable-and profitable-for businesses worldwide.
Author Interview
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Originally, I worked in politics. I wrote a science book about twenty years ago but kept it unpublished. I’ve written shorter texts all my life, but “The EU-Ready Seller” is the first book I wanted to share publicly.
What inspired you to write your first book?
The idea was to create something new on a topic that hadn’t been covered before — and to reuse all the information I gathered while working with clients. I even thought of the 1964 movie “Man’s Favorite Sport,” about a salesman and book author who ends up tested on his own expertise. That image made me smile and start writing.
How did you come up with the title?
I had already forgotten my original working title. I asked ChatGPT for suggestions, then refined them into “The EU-Ready Seller.” The title reflects the book’s goal — helping sellers become ready for Europe.
What did you learn from writing your book?
I learned how to present complicated case differentiations better — to make complex legal and compliance topics more understandable to people who just want to sell their products in Europe.
If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?
I would already extend the chapter on extended producer responsibilities. But there is so much development in that field. At some point, I had to finish it — otherwise, it would never end. It’s hard to stay up-to-date when the law changes every few months.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t worry about the first sentence. Start with the second one. When you’re done with the last sentence, you will edit the first one anyway.
Connect with Dirk Schmidt-Waerdt online at https://eurotrade-gateway.com
The EU-Ready Seller: How to Sell Legally and Grow in Germany and Europe is available for purchase on Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/EU-Ready-Seller-Legally-Germany-Europe-ebook/dp/B0FTQ7Z236