In an earlier blogpost on import- and export documents we explained what a EUR1 Certificate is. Where the EUR1 certificate is a Certificate of Origin of sorts, the EUR-MED is a EUR1 of sorts.
What is a EUR-MED?
A EUR-MED is a certificate that can be used to move goods between countries of the Pan-Euro-Mediterranean cumulation. When exporting goods to a Pan-Euro-Med country, you don’t have to pay customs duty, or you pay a discounted rate when the goods are imported.
To be eligible for a EUR-Med certificate the goods you are moving need to have been produced in the EU, or the goods have to be processed sufficiently to be classed as “made in the EU”. Furthermore, the goods need to meet certain requirements. These requirements vary per HS-code. Finally, these requirements need to be the same in both countries. This is called Variable Geometry. If all these requirements are met, the goods are of preferential origin.
What Countries Are in the Pan-Euro-Med Cumulation?
The following countries are members of the Pan-Euro-Med trade agreement:
- the EU,
- the EFTA States (Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein),
- the Faroe Islands,
- the participants in the Barcelona Process (Algeria, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Palestine (This designation shall not be construed as recognition of a State of Palestine and is without prejudice to the individual positions of the Member States on this issue.), Syria, Tunisia and Turkey),
- the participants in the EU's Stabilisation and Association Process (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Republic of North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia and Kosovo (This designation is without prejudice to positions on status, and is in line with UNSCR 1244 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo Declaration of Independence.),
- the Republic of Moldova.
Read more about his in this article on the website of the European Commission.
Where Can I Request a EUR-MED Certificate
A EUR-MED Certificate can be requested at the Chamber of Commerce. The Customs Authority then needs to validate the certificate. Please note that you only need to request a EUR-MED Certificate for shipments with a total value over EUR 6.000, -. If the value is less, an invoice declaration is sufficient. You still need to be able to prove that the goods are of preferential origin.
It is possible to use an invoice declaration instead of a EUR-MED certificate, but that declaration needs to be created by an approved exporter. An approved exporter is an exporter that has the permits to create Certificates of Origin.
Do I Need a EUR-MED Certificate When Exporting to a Pan-Euro-Med country?
You don’t need a EUR-MED Certificate to export goods to Pan-Euro-Med countries. But if you want to benefit from discounted- or zero tariffs, then you should request one. If you don’t you will have to pay the highest applicable tariff.
If you want help requesting a EUR-MED, or if you have any other questions about import or export-related matters, please contact one of our experts.
