what is the EUR.1 movement certificate and when do you need it?

What is the EUR.1 certificate?

One of the key documents that can bring real financial benefits is the EUR.1 certificate. This preferential proof of origin allows exporters to benefit from reduced or even zero customs duties when goods are shipped to countries that have signed a relevant trade agreement with the European Union.

EUR.1 – what exactly is it?

The EUR.1 certificate is a form of preferential proof of origin confirming that a product originates in the European Union and meets the applicable rules of origin. It is used in trade with third countries that have concluded Free Trade Agreements with the EU. Thanks to the document, the importer in the destination country may apply a reduced duty rate or – in many cases – a complete exemption from customs duties.

It is important to note that EUR.1 is not always required; its use depends on the conditions of a specific trade agreement and the HS Code of the exported product.

Where and when is EUR.1 used?

The EUR.1 certificate is used in exports from the EU to countries such as Switzerland, Norway, Tunisia, Morocco, Egypt, South Africa, South Korea, Mexico, Chile and many Balkan states. The list of partner countries is extensive and continues to grow as the European Union signs new trade agreements.

To be valid, the EUR.1 certificate must accompany the goods at the time of export, and a copy should be added to the transport documentation, for example in maritime or air shipments.

How to obtain the EUR.1 certificate?

In Poland, the competent authority issuing and confirming EUR.1 is the Customs and Tax Office. The application must be submitted by the exporter, who is responsible for proving that the product meets the rules of origin under the applicable trade agreement.

The application must be accompanied by:
• commercial invoices
• technical specifications of the goods
• a supplier’s declaration confirming the preferential origin of materials or components used to produce the final product.

Key document: the supplier’s declaration

Often underestimated, the supplier’s declaration is a crucial element when applying for the EUR.1 certificate. It confirms that the materials or components used also have EU (or equivalent) preferential origin. Without it, the application may be rejected, which means losing the right to apply preferential duty rates.

An exporter who is not the manufacturer (e.g., a distributor) must obtain the supplier’s declaration from their supplier and attach it to the EUR.1 application.

Is EUR.1 always required?

Not always. For shipments valued up to EUR 6,000, it is possible to replace the EUR.1 certificate with an origin declaration on the invoice, provided the exporter meets the required conditions. Exporters holding the status of an Approved Exporter may use invoice declarations without any value limit.

EUR.1 vs. A.TR – are they the same?

Although often confused, the two documents serve different purposes:
• EUR.1 applies to countries covered by Free Trade Agreements with the EU.
• A.TR is used in trade with Türkiye under the EU–Türkiye Customs Union.

The A.TR certificate does not confirm origin; it only confirms that the goods are in free circulation in the EU or Türkiye.

EUR.1 vs. the non-preferential Certificate of Origin

It is important to distinguish the EUR.1 from the Certificate of Origin (CoO). A CoO serves statistical, compliance or safety purposes in the importing country, but does not grant any customs preference. Only an EUR.1 certificate (or invoice declaration) issued under the relevant EU agreements can lead to preferential duties.

Benefits and risks

Benefits of using an EUR.1 certificate:
• reduced import costs (even to zero)
• competitive advantage for the exporter
• faster customs procedures thanks to standardized documentation

Risks when the document is missing or incorrect:
• loss of preferential duty rates
• customs clearance delays
• additional storage or penalty costs

Summary

The EUR.1 certificate is a powerful trade tool that, when used correctly, helps reduce import costs and strengthen competitive advantage in international trade. The key to effective use lies in understanding the rules of origin, the requirements of trade agreements and recognising the importance of supporting documentation such as the supplier’s declaration and commercial invoice.

In a global environment of complex supply chains and constantly changing regulations, working with a professional customs agency can significantly improve the effectiveness of export operations.