WITH the UK now outside of the European Union, there are new rules and regulations when trading with the EU.

One of these is that companies must follow rules of origin and make the correct declarations and have proof of preferential origin in place.

With reports stating that this is causing confusion for businesses, we want to outline the rules for firms as simply as possible.

As part of the customs union previously, UK businesses could trade with the EU tariff-free without the need for customs declarations or preferential origin documents (such as EUR1’s) or Non-Preferential Origin documents (Certificates of origin).

For Preferential Origin, exporters will have to follow rules set out in the Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) between the UK and the EU.

The European Community (EC) Certificate of Origin has been replaced by a United Kingdom Certificate of Origin.

This form shows the origin of goods, what the goods are, their weight and country of destination.

Certificates of Origin are not part of the EU-UK trade agreement so there are no rules that state they are required when trading with the EU, however if your EU importer requests a Certificate of Origin, these can be issued.

If an EU country specifically requests a Certificate of Origin, the non-preferential rule would be followed, which is the goods originated where the last substantial economically justified process takes place.

Certificates of Origin require certification from an accredited Chamber of Commerce to be valid.

Business West’s Export Documentation team can help and are fully authorised to certify all documents needed to export to the EU.

To get help call 01275 774 958 to speak to a member of the team.

CATHERINE STEPHENS
Head of international trade services at Business West