Proof of origin
The correct proof of origin for your shipment
Have the required proof of origin determined for each product and destination for import or export. We look at your product, the destination and the conditions for any preferential tariff treatment, helping to prevent delays, additional inspections and unnecessary import duties for your customer.
Document errors that delay your shipment
For example, you apply for a Certificate of Origin while this shipment requires an EUR.1, EUR-MED or invoice declaration. Which document you need depends on the product, the country of destination and the applicable trade arrangements.
Your declaration of origin may later prove to be incorrect. Customs may request additional information, reject the document or reverse previously granted preferential treatment. Your customer may also still have to pay import duties.
You export a product from the Netherlands, but that does not automatically mean the product is also of Dutch origin. You must be able to demonstrate where the product was produced and which processing activities have taken place.
Your declaration of origin may later prove to be incorrect. Customs may request additional information, reject the document or reverse previously granted preferential treatment. Your customer may also still have to pay import duties.
You use an EUR.1 or invoice declaration to give your customer a lower import tariff, but your product does not meet the rules of origin under the relevant trade agreement. Simply exporting from the EU is not sufficient.
Your customer may lose the lower import tariff and could still receive an additional assessment. During an audit, you must be able to prove why you declared preferential origin. If you cannot, this can lead to disputes about costs and responsibility.
You use an EUR.1 or invoice declaration to give your customer a lower import tariff, but your product does not meet the rules of origin under the relevant trade agreement. Simply exporting from the EU is not sufficient.
You need to amend the documents and have them checked or validated again. Until then, your customer cannot use the proof of origin and the import is delayed. A single error in the details can disrupt your entire export planning.
Correct proof of origin
When exporting goods outside the European Union, an origin document may be required. This document proves where a product was produced or processed.
Without correct origin documentation, goods may be held up, lead to additional costs or even be refused at the border. Flevo Trade Service handles everything related to origin documents, from determining what is needed to preparing and completing them correctly.
Establishing origin
Proof of origin is often underestimated. Yet many countries explicitly require evidence of origin. These documents are used for exports to comply with the customs rules of the country of destination.
A distinction is made between preferential and non-preferential proof of origin. Non-preferential documents, such as a Certificate of Origin, are often required for political or administrative reasons. Preferential documents can result in a reduction or exemption from import duties in the country of destination.
Which form of proof of origin is required depends on the product, the country of destination and the applicable trade arrangements. We determine this for each shipment. This may include documents such as EUR.1, EUR-MED or an invoice declaration.
Import duties
Correctly prepared proof of origin can affect the amount of import duties payable by the recipient. In some cases, this can mean a reduction or a full 0% tariff.
Incorrect or missing documentation, on the other hand, can lead to delays, additional costs or further inspections. That is why we assess in advance whether a product actually meets the rules of origin under the relevant agreement.
Only when the conditions are met is the correct document issued.
Our work process
Origin documents may seem administratively simple, but they are directly linked to customs duties, trade agreements and auditability afterwards. By assessing what is actually required for each shipment, we prevent discussions afterwards and keep the export process manageable.
Determine
Based on the product and destination, we determine which type of origin document is required and whether preference is possible.
Preparing and checking
The required details are collected and processed. If necessary, we check whether the origin rules of the trade agreement are met.
Completion
The document is correctly applied for and completed, including any validation by Customs, so it can be used for export.
Everything arranged for an error-free flow
