EUR.1 movement certificate: when you need it and how to get one

When a EUR.1 is used

Movement certificates EUR.1 and EUR-MED are required for preferential trade under certain EU agreements, and the UK accepts them under its agreements too. The importer notes the proof on the customs declaration to claim reduced or nil duty. Validity periods differ by agreement and run from the date of issue, and customs may accept a proof after expiry in exceptional cases.

Many agreements now rely on self-certification instead: an origin declaration on an invoice, delivery note or packing list, a statement on origin by an exporter registered in REX (required for GSP, OCT and certain FTA trade), a supplier's declaration used to support origin, or the importer's knowledge under the EU agreements with Japan and New Zealand and the EU-UK TCA.

Getting a EUR.1 in practice (UK example)

• Paper certificates come from a local Chamber of Commerce or the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers, which may charge a fee.
• Where the destination accepts PDF certificates, exporters can apply to HMRC with form C1299 (EUR.1) or C1300 (EUR-MED) and receive a PDF within 48 hours if appropriate.
• A retrospective certificate can be requested if it was not issued at export because of an error, oversight or special circumstance, or was rejected at import for technical reasons.
• For a lost, destroyed or stolen certificate, request a duplicate and declare in writing that you will surrender the original if found.
• For split consignments, a replacement certificate is issued for each part.
• Keep production records, invoices and suppliers' declarations to support the claim if it is verified.

Origin declarations and thresholds

Under EU rules, exporters not registered in REX can make statements on origin for consignments with a total ex-works value of up to EUR 6,000, or EUR 10,000 for trade with the OCTs. Under the UK rules, origin declarations for consignments over GBP 5,400 need approved exporter status where the agreement provides for it, and declarations must clearly separate originating from non-originating goods. EU exporters keep copies of proofs of origin and related records for at least three years from the date of issue.