At a Glance
- Issuer (non-preferential)
- Chamber of industry and commerce
- EUR.1 issuer
- Customs authority (main customs office)
- Validity
- Usually 12 months
Non-preferential origin
The classic certificate of origin (CO) certifies non-preferential origin – that is, the country in which the goods were produced or substantially processed. In Germany, certificates of origin are issued by the chambers of industry and commerce. One is needed for countries with no free trade agreement with the EU, for embargo control purposes, or where the recipient has particular import requirements.
Preferential origin
Preferential origin allows reduced or zero duty rates under free trade agreements (EU–UK, EU–Japan, EU–Canada, for example). The forms of proof are: the EUR.1 movement certificate, Form A (for developing countries), or a declaration of origin on the invoice by an approved exporter. Origin must be substantiated in detail by supplier's declarations.
Who issues certificates of origin?
Non-preferential certificates of origin: chambers of industry and commerce and bilateral chambers of commerce. EUR.1 certificates: the customs authorities (in Germany, the main customs office). Declarations of origin on the invoice: approved exporters with a REX number (registered exporter). Cost: 20–80 euros per document, depending on the chamber and how quickly it is needed.
