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Posted Thu, 02 Jan 2025 14:38:55 GMT by Will Stanley
We make the occasional sale of bespoke-made soft-furnishing products to retail customers in the EU.
These are made in the UK and mostly use UK-manufactured fabric.
Up to now, the retail customers have just paid the 10% import duty on these goods, even though we have stated that the country of origin is the United Kingdom.
I have looked into purchasing a Certificate of Origin from a Chamber of Commerce but this is costing about £70 per certificate (or order). Which in most cases is not financially worth it.
Are there alternatives things we can do that will enable our customers to avoid paying the import duty when it arrives in the EU?
Templates or examples would be greatly appreciated.
I have read about Origin Declarations being a possible solution.
Thanks in advance.
Posted Mon, 13 Jan 2025 15:47:24 GMT by Customs oldtimer
Hi On leaving the EU the UK concluded a free trade deal for goods meeting the specific origin criteria and supported by a statement of preferential origin. There are specific manufacturing requirements for textile goods so you first need to check that your goods actually qualify and you hold adequate evidence if this. The rules are set out for each hs code. Not all goods made in the UK will necessarily meet the origin criteria. To get an understanding you should read this guidance. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/introduction-to-rules-of-origin-and-claiming-duties-when-trading-between-the-uk-and-eu You can also find the information on specific goods in the uk tariff schedule. https://www.gov.uk/trade-tariff Once you have established your goods qualify you must put a specifically worded statement on your commercial documents. This is the only acceptable proof of origin under the UK - EU trade agreement. Unfortunately some of these rules can be complicated to understand so you do need to read up on the subject so you can provide your customers with the correct documentation. A certificate of origin from the Chamber of Commerce is for non preferential origin only and will have no impact on receiving a zero duty rate of duty on entry to the EU.
Posted Tue, 14 Jan 2025 09:00:16 GMT by Will Stanley
Thank you for your reply. It is much appreciated! specifically worded statement ======================== "Once you have established your goods qualify you must put a specifically worded statement on your commercial documents. This is the only acceptable proof of origin under the UK - EU trade agreement." Do you have a form of words for the "you must put a specifically worded statement"? This is what I have been trying to establish / find online. Certificate of Origin =============== What you stated about a certificate of origin from the Chamber of Commerce having no impact on receiving zero duty on entry to the EU is interesting and not something that I have read elsewhere. Generally they say that you do need a certificate of origin. So surprised. I am not going down this route anyway as I am trying to avoid the cost of buying a certificate of origin. It is just not worth it for the value of the sale.
Posted Fri, 17 Jan 2025 13:06:00 GMT by HMRC Admin 13 Response
Hi Will Stanley
As goods are imported in the EU, it will be down to custom’s authority in the importing country to advise which proof they can accept to claim a preference. 
You may find the guidance available at: Get proof of origin for your goods useful.
Thank you 
 
Posted Fri, 17 Jan 2025 15:56:41 GMT by Customs oldtimer
Hi Will Stanley Story I am replying without seeing your comment as it is still waiting for HMRC moderation. The link provided by HMRC Admin13 only talks about the types of proof of origin that you may be required when trading with countries that the UK has agreements with. Each agreement however has its own requirements so you may find the mention of all possible types of proof of origin that could be needed confusing. As you specified you are exporting to the EU The link provided in my earlier post gives the specific requirements under the UK - EU agreement. As I don’t work for HMRC I can’t provide a working link. As an example if you prepared an EUR 1 certificate for a shipment to the EU it wouldn’t be accepted by any of the EU customs authorities.
Posted Fri, 31 Jan 2025 16:33:51 GMT by HMRC Admin 20 Response
Hi,
Please contact our imports/exports helpline to see if they can provide further help.
You can find their contact details on below link.
Imports and exports: general enquiries
Thank you.
Posted Fri, 31 Jan 2025 18:01:55 GMT by Customs oldtimer
Hi will stanley As HMRC have now moderated your post 17 days ago I can answer your question s. 1. The agreement with the EU works on self declaration not certificates .The text of the statement on origin is shown in Annex 7 of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement. The exporter of the products covered by this document (Exporter Reference No.______) declares that, except where otherwise clearly indicated, these products are of UK preferential origin. Your exporter reference number is your EORI number. You must however make sure your goods actually qualify you would need to look at the agreement Annex 2 2. I’m not sure what you mean by ‘Generally they say that you do need a certificate of origin’ A ‘certificate of origin’ from the chamber of commerce isn’t usually necessary for trade with the EU. As the certificate can be used for goods of any origin it’s not used in the context of specific trade agreements. It’s what is known as non preferential origin. From decades of experience only certain countries require a certificate of non preferential origin most simply accept showing an origin against an invoice line. The chambers also issue EUR1 certificates which are for preferential origin however these are not used for trade with the EU.

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