EUR.1 Movement Certificate: EU Importer Obligations
Quick answer
An EUR.1 movement certificate is a key document required to claim preferential tariff treatment for goods imported into the EU from certain beneficiary countries. EU importers must ensure that the EUR.1 certificate is correctly issued, submitted with customs declarations, and supported by appropriate documentation to comply with EU customs rules.
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- The EUR.1 movement certificate evidences the preferential origin of goods imported into the EU, enabling tariff reductions or exemptions [1].
- It is required when importing originating products from countries or territories with preferential trade agreements with the EU [1:1].
- The certificate must be issued by customs or competent authorities of the exporting beneficiary country on written application by the exporter or their representative [1:2].
- Importers must submit the EUR.1 certificate to the relevant Member State customs authority when making the import declaration [1:3].
- Supporting documents proving the origin of the goods must be available and may be requested by customs authorities for verification [1:4].
- Penalties apply for submitting inaccurate or false information on the EUR.1 certificate [2].
- Importers must identify themselves using an EORI number or equivalent identification in the customs declaration [3].
What is an EUR.1 Movement Certificate?
The EUR.1 movement certificate is an official document used in international trade to certify that goods imported into the European Union originate from a beneficiary country or territory under preferential trade agreements. This certificate serves as documentary evidence allowing importers to benefit from reduced or zero customs duties on qualifying products.
The certificate confirms that the goods meet the origin criteria set out in EU trade regulations, specifically under the Union Customs Code and its delegated acts. It is issued by the customs or other competent governmental authorities of the exporting beneficiary country or territory upon written application by the exporter or their authorised representative [1:5].
The EUR.1 certificate is distinct from other origin documents such as the EUR.2, which is used in different contexts, but both serve to prove preferential origin in trade with the EU [2:1].
When is an EUR.1 Certificate Required for EU Imports?
An EUR.1 certificate is required when importing goods into the EU that qualify for preferential tariff treatment under trade agreements with certain third countries. Specifically, the certificate is necessary for goods that:
- Are classified as originating products under the relevant EU delegated regulations on origin rules [1:6].
- Are transported directly from the beneficiary country or territory to the EU [1:7].
- Are imported into the EU with the intention of benefiting from tariff preferences granted under agreements notified to the European Commission [1:8].
The EUR.1 certificate must accompany the customs declaration at the point of importation to allow customs authorities to apply the preferential tariff rates. Without a valid EUR.1, the goods may be subject to standard customs duties.
Notably, the certificate is only issued where it can serve as documentary evidence for tariff preferences, and only for products that genuinely qualify as originating under the applicable rules [1:9].
Who is Responsible for Issuing and Applying for an EUR.1?
The responsibility for applying for and obtaining the EUR.1 movement certificate lies primarily with the exporter or their authorised representative in the beneficiary country or territory. The application must be made in writing to the competent customs or governmental authorities of the exporting country, using the prescribed form and providing all necessary supporting documentation [1:10].
Once the authorities verify that the products meet the origin criteria, they issue the EUR.1 certificate. The certificate is then provided to the exporter, who must ensure it accompanies the goods during transport to the EU.
In some cases, the customs authorities of the exporting Member State of the EU may issue the EUR.1 certificate if the products qualify as originating under EU rules [1:11].
For EU importers, the key obligation is to ensure that the EUR.1 certificate is presented to the customs authorities at importation to claim preferential treatment.
Supporting Documentation and Verification for EUR.1 Certificates
When applying for an EUR.1 certificate, the exporter must submit appropriate supporting documents proving that the goods qualify as originating products. These documents may include production records, supplier declarations, or other evidence demonstrating compliance with the origin criteria [1:12].
The exporter must also agree to provide supplementary evidence upon request and to allow inspections or audits by the competent authorities to verify the correctness of the origin status declared [1:13].
For importers, it is essential to retain copies of the EUR.1 certificate and related documentation as customs authorities in the EU may request verification. Member State customs administrations cooperate with exporting countries’ authorities to check the authenticity and accuracy of the EUR.1 certificates and the origin declarations contained therein [2:2].
Failure to provide adequate supporting documentation or to cooperate with verification requests may result in denial of preferential treatment and penalties.
Penalties for Inaccurate EUR.1 Information
Submitting an EUR.1 certificate containing inaccurate or false information to obtain preferential tariff treatment is a serious infringement under EU customs law. Penalties are imposed on any person who completes or causes to be completed a certificate with incorrect information for this purpose [2:3].
Penalties may include fines, seizure of goods, or other administrative sanctions imposed by the relevant Member State customs authorities. Both exporters and importers can be held liable depending on their role in the submission of the EUR.1 certificate.
EU businesses should implement robust compliance procedures to ensure the accuracy of all origin information declared on the EUR.1 form and maintain proper records to substantiate claims.
Importer Identification and Declarations in the EU
When importing goods into the EU, importers must identify themselves in the customs declaration using an Economic Operators Registration and Identification (EORI) number. The EORI number is mandatory for all economic operators established in the EU and is used by customs authorities to track and process import transactions [3:1].
If the importer does not have an EORI number, the customs administration of the Member State where the import declaration is lodged may assign an ad hoc identification number for that specific transaction [3:2].
The customs declaration must include the full name and address of the importer (the party on whose behalf the declaration is made) as well as the declarant (the person submitting the declaration), which may be the same entity or different parties [3:3].
Accurate identification of the importer and declarant is crucial for customs compliance, including the proper application of preferential tariff treatment supported by the EUR.1 certificate.
FAQ
What is an EUR1 form for?
The EUR1 form is a movement certificate used to prove that goods imported into the EU originate from a beneficiary country under preferential trade agreements. It allows importers to benefit from reduced or zero customs duties on qualifying products [1:14].
How do I get an EUR1 Certificate?
The EUR1 certificate is issued by the customs or competent authorities of the exporting beneficiary country upon written application by the exporter or their authorised representative. The application must be supported by documentation proving the goods’ origin [1:15].
How much does an EUR1 cost?
The provided sources do not specify the cost of obtaining an EUR1 certificate. Costs may vary depending on the issuing authority and Member State. Businesses should consult the relevant national competent authority for precise information.
Are EUR1 still valid?
Yes, the EUR1 form remains valid as a proof of preferential origin for imports into the EU from beneficiary countries, provided it is issued in accordance with the current rules and accepted by the customs authorities at importation [1:16].
Sources
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