EUR.1 or Origin Declaration: Keep Original?

 Should you keep your EUR.1 or origin declaration in original form? Here's what the regulations say and why it's important for imports.

A common question raised is whether the EUR.1 certificate or origin declaration must be kept in its original form for imports, or if a digital copy will suffice. Let's dive into the regulations and answer this crucial query for businesses dealing with preferential trade agreements and customs procedures.

The Questions I Will Answer in this blog:

1. Do I need to keep the EUR.1 or origin declaration in its original form?

2. What do the EU regulations say about document storage?

3. Can a digital copy be acceptable instead of the original?

4. Why is it important to keep original documents?

   
   

Do I need to keep the EUR.1 or origin declaration in its original form?

 Should you keep your EUR.1 or origin declaration in original form? Here's what the regulations say and why it's important for imports.

Yes, it is recommended to keep the EUR.1 certificate or origin declaration in original form when applying for preferential treatment under customs regulations. This ensures that the documentation can be presented in its proper format if requested by the customs authorities.

What do the EU or UK regulations say about document storage?

Under Article 51 of Regulation (EU) No. 952/2013 (Union Customs Code - UZK) and Article 116 of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/2447, businesses are required to retain records and supporting documents, including proof of origin. Specifically, the evidence of origin (such as EUR.1) must be presented to customs authorities when applying for preferential treatment.

In the UK, following Brexit, the Customs (Import Duty) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 and the Customs (Proof of Origin) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 mirror similar requirements for document storage and retention. These regulations stipulate that businesses must keep records of origin documents and other customs-related evidence for up to six years, as stipulated by UK customs law.

This ensures that businesses are compliant with both EU and UK customs requirements when handling preferential trade agreements and submitting claims for preferential treatment based on the origin of goods.

Can a digital copy be acceptable instead of the original?

WWhile digital storage may be convenient, customs authorities may still require the original EUR.1 certificate or origin declaration when preferences are requested. According to the German Zoll customs guidelines (Z 42 12), customs officials have the right to request the original preference documents. Therefore, it is safest to retain the original documents to avoid potential issues during customs clearance.

In the UK, the Customs (Proof of Origin) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 align with this approach, stipulating that while digital copies of documents may be accepted in some cases, businesses must be able to provide the original documents upon request by HMRC or other relevant authorities. It is advisable for businesses to maintain the original certificates of origin, such as EUR.1, to ensure compliance with both UK and international trade requirements.

Why is it important to keep original documents?

Maintaining the original EUR.1 or origin declaration ensures compliance with legal requirements and prevents delays in customs clearance. If the documents are requested by customs, having the original on hand avoids complications, fines, or the loss of preferential treatment.

Conclusion & Recommendation:

It is highly advisable to retain the original EUR.1 certificate or origin declaration when importing goods that apply for preferential treatment. Even though digital storage may seem convenient, keeping the original documents safeguards compliance and ensures a smooth customs process. Always be prepared for possible customs checks by storing your documents properly and in their original form.

For further guidance on customs documentation and compliance, feel free to reach out for a consultation.

Conclusion

In summary, it’s clear that the original EUR.1 certificate or origin declaration should be kept for customs compliance. Digital copies may be convenient for record-keeping, but they don’t replace the original documents required by customs authorities. By storing the originals, you are ensuring that you are always prepared for potential checks and avoiding complications when claiming preferential treatment during imports.

Recommendation

Here are the key recommendations

1. Keep the Original EUR.1 or Origin Declaration

   While digital copies can be stored for convenience, always retain the original documents as customs authorities may require them for inspection when applying for preferential treatment.

   
   

2. Understand the Legal Basis for Document Retention

   According to EU regulations (Article 51 of Regulation (EU) No. 952/2013 UZK and Article 116 of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/2447), businesses are required to store original documents related to the origin of goods.

   
   

3. Be Prepared for Customs Inspections

   Customs authorities have the right to request original EUR.1 certificates when verifying claims for preferential treatment. Retaining these original documents ensures compliance and a smooth customs clearance process.