Proof of origin at export: how to avoid unnecessary duty costs
Proof of origin is often required when you ship goods to countries outside the EU. The destination country may require documentation showing where the goods were produced in order to grant a reduced or zero duty rate.
This is done with different types of proof of origin, for example an EUR.1 certificate, an invoice declaration or other commercial documents, depending on the country you export to.
Wrong or incomplete documentation can lead to delays, extra costs or the recipient paying full duty. With the correct proof of origin from the start, you secure a smooth export process and avoid unnecessary problems.
Need help with proof of origin? Contact us and we help you quickly and correctly.
Which proof of origin do you need at export?
The right document depends on the destination country, the type of goods and the requirements at import.
In practice it is usually one of the following:
- Certificate of Origin: Used when the importing country requires proof of the goods’ origin, but without preferential duty rates.
- EUR.1 certificate: Used when the goods are covered by a free trade agreement and the importer can get a reduced or zero duty rate.
- Origin declaration on the invoice: Used when the consignment is below the value threshold or when you are an approved exporter.
Unsure what applies to your shipment? Contact us and we will gladly help.
Read more about exportdeklaration →
The difference between a certificate of origin and EUR.1
It is important to distinguish between:
A Certificate of Origin
This document shows where the goods were manufactured or produced.
- Gives no duty benefits
- Often required when exporting to certain countries
- Usually issued by a chamber of commerce
EUR.1 certificate
EUR.1 is a proof of preferential origin used under free trade agreements.
- Gives a reduced or zero duty rate
- Requires the goods to meet the rules of origin
- Common when exporting to the EU’s trade partners
What are rules of origin?
Rules of origin decide whether goods are considered to originate in a certain country under a free trade agreement.
This is decisive for being able to use:
- EUR.1 certificate
- Origin declaration
- Common when exporting to the EU’s trade partners
Origin is usually based on:
- Where the goods were produced
- Where the raw materials come from
- How much processing has taken place
If the goods contain components from several countries, specific rules must be met for preferential origin.
The right classification and documentation are decisive for avoiding problems in customs.
Origin declaration on the invoice
In many cases the exporter can, instead of an EUR.1 certificate, state an origin declaration directly on the invoice or another commercial document.
This is often called an invoice declaration.
You can use an origin declaration if the value of the originating goods in the consignment does not exceed:
6 000 EUR
If the value exceeds this, the exporter must either:
- use an EUR.1 certificate
- vara approved exporter
A correct origin declaration gives the importer access to a reduced or zero duty rate, provided the conditions of the free trade agreement are met.
Approved exporter
Companies that export regularly can apply to become an approved exporter.
Som approved exporter kan du:
To become an approved exporter, the company must, among other things:
When the application is approved, the company receives an authorisation number, which must be stated in the origin declaration.
Get the right origin documentation before the goods are shipped
Errors in origin documentation can lead to delays, extra duty costs or the shipment being stopped in the destination country.
By securing the right proof of origin from the start, you get a smooth and predictable export process.
Send us information about the goods and the destination country. We help you decide whether you need a Certificate of Origin, an EUR.1 certificate or an origin declaration on the invoice.
Checklist before exporting goods from Sweden
Small discrepancies between the invoice, the commodity code and the origin documentation are a common cause of delays. This checklist helps you make sure everything is correct from the start.
In many cases the importer pays a higher duty despite a free trade agreement, often because the right proof of origin is missing, for example an EUR.1 certificate or origin declaration.
This checklist makes it easier to avoid errors and make sure the right documentation is in place before the goods are shipped.
Before preparing origin documentation, check the following
Common mistakes in origin documentation
Incorrect or incomplete documentation can lead to problems at import.
Common mistakes include:
- The wrong country of origin stated
- Missing documentation from the supplier or producer
- Incorrect use of EUR.1 or the origin declaration
- An origin declaration used even though the value threshold is exceeded
- Details inconsistent with the export declaration
This can lead to:
- stops in customs
- duty being charged afterwards
- delays in the delivery
That is why it is decisive that the origin documentation is consistent with both the commodity classification and the export declaration.
How EasyTull helps you with proof of origin
We help exporting companies secure correct origin documentation for exports from Sweden.
We assist with, among other things:
We make sure everything is correct from the start, so you avoid delays, extra costs and problems in customs.
When should you get help?
You should consider professional help if:
- you are exporting to new markets
- you are unsure which rules of origin apply
- your goods contain components from several countries
- the customer requires a certificate of origin or EUR.1
- you want to secure preferential duty rates for the recipient
Many companies use a customs broker to make sure the origin documentation is correct from the start.
Contact us
We look forward to hearing from you, and you can expect a reply within 10 minutes.
Frequently asked questions about proof of origin
What is a proof of origin?
A proof of origin is a document showing where goods were produced or originate.
It is used at export to meet the importing country’s requirements and can in some cases affect duty rates.
What is the difference between a Certificate of Origin and EUR.1?
A Certificate of Origin shows where the goods were made, but gives no duty benefits.
EUR.1 certificate is used under free trade agreements and can give a reduced or zero duty rate if the goods meet the rules of origin.
When can I use an origin declaration on the invoice?
You can use an origin declaration if the value of the consignment does not exceed 6 000 EUR, or if you are an approved exporter.
It is a simpler alternative to EUR.1, but must be worded correctly.
What happens if the origin documentation is wrong?
We assist with, among other things:
That is why it is important that all information is correct from the start.
Can EasyTull help with EUR.1 and proof of origin?
Yes, we help you through the whole process, from checking origin and documentation to making sure the right certificate is used.
We make sure everything is correct, so your export runs smoothly and without unnecessary costs.
Need help with proof of origin?
Send us information about your goods and your existing documentation, and we help you decide which proof of origin you need and make sure everything is correct before export.
Avoid rejections, extra duty costs and delays at the recipient.
