Customs Authorisation Number

What is a Customs Authorisation Number? (relating to preference claims on UK imports from country's with a FTA/GSP)

Hi LL A customs authorisation number is the number allocated to an approved exporter in the country of origin . The exporter is required to apply for this approval from their customs authority. They are usually required to demonstrate their goods qualify and they understand the origin rules. The approval then allows the exporter to make statements of origin instead of using an EUR1 certificate or in the case of GSP a GSP form A. A Statement of origin cannot be used by unapproved exporter.

Thank you Customs oldtimer - How do you check that the exporter is authorised? Is there any way the Customs Autorisation number can be checked?

Hi
Customs Authorisation number in the UK is also known as an Approved Exporter registration number.
For more information please see this guidance:
Apply for approved exporter status (C1454)
Thankyou.

Hi LL Unfortunately there is no official database of these approval numbers. HMRC do not publish any details of the format used in each country either, or at least I haven’t located it if they do. You will need to do your own due diligence with your suppliers as the risk remains with you to be confident that you have a valid proof of preferential origin.

Thanks HMRC Admin - I am referring to imports into the UK