Proof of origin

The EU has entered into free trade agreements with a number of countries. This means that your goods can be entered into one of these countries at a reduced or zero rate of duty, as long as they are wholly obtained within the EU or have been sufficiently worked or processed to be regarded as originating in the EU. Please note, though, that if you issue a proof of origin covering your export goods, it is important that you are aware of all rules and conditions set up in the agreements.

The proofs of origin used for export to countries covered by free trade agreements are declarations that exporters make out on invoices or other commercial documents, i.e. origin declarations, invoice declarations and statements on origin. The wordings of these declarations are fixed. A trader can apply for authorisation or registration to be able to make out these declarations regardless of the value of the goods.

In many free trade agreements it is also possible to use movement certificates EUR.1. When you have completed a movement certificate form, it has to be stamped by a customs office or by an authorised Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber of Commerce will make a charge for this service.

When exporting to Turkey, a movement certificate A.TR. can be issued for most goods. For such a certificate to be issued, it is sufficient that your goods are in free circulation in the EU, i.e. there are no requirements regarding the origin of the goods. The movement certificate A.TR. is a form that also needs to be stamped by Customs, as long as you are not authorised by us to issue it yourself.

Certificate of origin

Please note that the document called ‘Certificate of Origin’, a proof of origin issued by a Chamber of Commerce, has nothing to do with the EU free trade agreements. A buyer may occasionally request this proof of origin due to rules in the importing country. For example, it can be used to determine the origin of goods covered by anti-dumping regulations or by import licensing and surveillance arrangements.

What regulations in the importing country do I need to take into consideration?

Before the exportation, it is also essential that you find out if there are any regulations you have to take into consideration in the country to which you are exporting the goods, i.e. the importing country. For information about such regulations, please contact Business Sweden, that also provides information about the rules of origin and the requirements for proof of origin that apply in accordance with the free trade agreements that the EU has entered into with a large number of countries.

Further information

Business Sweden