Origin of the goods

What is it for?

From a customs perspective, it is necessary to prove the origin of a good in order to apply trade policy measures (quotas, quantitative limits, anti-dumping, anti-subsidy, etc.) and preferential tariff policy measures (tariff benefits under EC preferential agreements or regimes with certain countries, groups of countries or territories).

Depending on the country of origin of the goods, a normal tariff rate or reduced or zero tariff rates may be applied, resulting from the granting of :

• Preferential tariff measures contained in agreements that the European Union has concluded with certain countries or groups of countries and which provide for the granting of preferential tariff treatment.
• Preferential tariff measures adopted unilaterally by the European Union in favour of certain countries, groups of countries or territories; e.g. the Generalised System of Preferences (GSP).
• Autonomous suspension measures providing for the reduction or exemption of import duties applicable to certain goods.

The tariff quotas are listed on this page.

In addition, depending on the origin of the goods, the importation of goods may be limited or subject to certain conditions or requirements that must be met; for example, measures prohibiting imports into the European Union for political, health or public order reasons or measures requiring certain controls, such as a health certificate, veterinary certificate, SOIVRE (quality), etc.