Preferential certificates of origin issued by customs authorities (EUR-MED, EUR-1, etc.) will gradually be completely replaced by new modalities that are more efficient and agile for customs procedures. In this regard, it is important to highlight the figure of the Authorized Exporter or registration in the REX system.
Proof of the origin of goods can be provided in different ways:
• Preferential certificates of origin issued by customs authorities (FORM A, EUR1, EUR-MED, etc.).
• Declaration of origin simply indicated on the invoice or commercial document of the exporter. In this case, two situations may arise:
• Shipments below €6,000.
No authorization is required.
• Shipments above €6,000.
One of the following conditions is required:
-> Being an Authorized Exporter (AE).
-> Being registered in the Special Exporters Register, REX. These are called Registered Exporters (REX).
The application for AE status is a one-time procedure in which the economic operator provides the competent customs authority with the necessary information. Once authorization is granted, and during its validity, it applies to all exports of the covered originating goods.
To be accredited as an Authorized Exporter by customs authorities, certain requirements must be met:
• Conduct exports regularly.
• Be able to prove the origin of goods at any time.
• Know the applicable rules of origin.
• Keep all supporting documents proving origin.
The Exporter Registration System, known as REX, is the certification system for product origin that the European Union implemented for preferential trade agreements (GSP). Through these agreements, the European Union grants unilateral tariff preferences to developing countries.
The economic operator from a country with preferential agreements with the EU must be registered in a database maintained by their national authorities. This way, they become a Registered Exporter.
The REX system may also be used to register exporters from the EU, especially with a view to cumulating origin with those countries or for exporting goods to a country that grants preferential tariff treatment to the EU.
