Alternative rules of origin between countries within the Pan-Euro-Mediterranean (PEM) zone

These rules of origin are also known as the 'transitional rules'. They are alternatively applicable rules for and between the countries, which have included these transition rules in the origin protocols to their mutual agreements.

Proof of origin

In short, this change means that from now on you can also apply for a EUR.1 certificate for non-EU origin. See the countries below.

To indicate that the origin of the goods in question has been determined via the new transitional rules, the EUR.1 certificate must contain 'transitional rules' in box 7. For the origin declaration, this information is shown in the mandatory format of the declaration.

The movement certificate EUR.MED is not used under the transitional rules. Neither is REX used for the time being.

For which countries?

In addition to the EU, the EFTA Secretariat (EFTA countries) and the CEFTA Secretariat (CEFTA countries), the following countries from the PEM zone have so far indicated their intention to introduce the transitional rules:

• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Georgia
• Iceland
• Israel
• Jordan
• Kosovo
• Lebanon
• Moldova
• Montenegro
• North Macedonia
• Norway
• Switzerland
• Serbia
• Turkey
• Ukraine

Ratification as a condition

The new transitional rules will apply as of September 1, 2021 to mutual trade between the countries that have completed the ratification process by that time.

The countries that have already completed the ratification process are the EFTA countries, Jordan, Albania and the Faroe Islands. The countries of Moldova, Georgia, Lebanon, CEFTA countries and Egypt also expect to complete the process by September 1. The countries from the PEM zone that do not make it 1 September 2021 will join from a later date.

The European Commission will use a matrix to show which countries are subject to the transitional rules and when. We will follow the developments and keep you informed where necessary.

Source: Customs