Rules of origin

A proof of origin is a document certifying the origin of goods and is crucial for international trade as it determines whether goods qualify for preferential tariffs or other trade benefits. 

 

There are two main types of proof of origin in the EU:

  • Certificates of origin:Issued by government authorities, they confirm the country of origin and may be required for customs clearance; and 
  • Self-certification:Self-certified declarations made by exporters on invoices or commercial documents. The EU’s Registered Exporter (REX) systemallows registered exporters to issue these declarations without additional certification 

The choice of proof of origin depends on the trade agreement, the value of the goods, and the exporter’s status. For more information about the proof of origin, please check EU’s Access2Market portal’s dedicated page.  

According to the respective SAAs with the Western Balkans, the proof of origin that may be used for EU-Western Balkan trade may be a movement certificate EUR.1 (more information is available here) or an origin declaration, with particular conditions for the latter applying under some SAAs.  

 

In the case of the Association Agreement between the EU and Moldova, the proof of origin that may be used for EU-Moldova trade may be a movement certificate EUR.1 or an origin declaration. An origin declaration may only be made out by an approved exporter under the provisions of the agreement or by any exporter for a consignment whose total value does not exceed EUR 6,000.  

 

For more information, please check the respective SAA or the Association Agreement between Moldova and the EU. 

A Binding Origin Information (BOI) decision is a formal ruling issued by EU Customs authorities to provide legal certainty regarding the origin of goods. This decision is binding on both the exporter and Customs authorities and is valid for a specific period, typically three years. By obtaining a BOI decision, businesses can avoid potential Customs disputes and ensure that their goods qualify for any applicable preferential treatment. 

 

More information is available on the EU’s Access2Market portal’s dedicated page. 

Rules of origin between CEFTA and EU Member States have been harmonised through the PEM Convention. For more information on the PEM Convention, please refer here and to the dedicated pageon the EU’s Access2Market portal.