End of covid exemptions for certificates of origin as of May 1, 2024

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, beginning in March 2020, Customs will allow temporary relaxations, such as accepting (under certain conditions) copies, scans, and digital versions of certificates of origin. Per May 1, 2024, allowing these exceptional measures will end. This may affect your process, so be prepared.

What this means for you

On May 1, 2024, Customs will no longer accept copies and digital versions of certificates. There will be no grace period. Only original certificates of origin that meet all technical requirements will be accepted. There are also no exceptions either, so not even if you:

  • use the bonded warehouse procedure and intend to release goods into free circulation on or after May 1, 2024
  • want to apply for preferential tariff treatment in a drawback application claim on or after May 1, 2024

Have you applied for preferential tariff treatment onor after March 2020 and used copies, scans or electronic versions of certificates? If so, Customs may still request the original certificate from you.

Avoid problems by having valid certificates of origin on hand. If you import after May 1, 2024 and use a copy or scan, Customs will not grant preference. This means you will have to pay the standard import duties (conventional tariff).

Special attention for e-certificates from Israel, Morocco, Norway and Turkey

It is good to know that for certain countries within the Pan-Euro-Mediterranean Agreement (PEM), such as Israel, Morocco, Norway, and Turkey, it is still possible to accept e-certificates under certain conditions.

How we can help you

At Pincvision, we understand that this change may raise questions and possibly challenges. After all, you want to focus on your core business, not on keeping up with all the customs and document processes. Our team is here to help you ensure that your documentation is correct and meets all the requirements of the destination country. We take the burden of keeping up with changing regulations off your shoulders and ensure that your export shipments are not subject to unnecessary delays.

Source: Belastingdienst/Douane

Have questions or want to learn more about our export documents solution? Our team is ready to assist you. Leave your details below and you'll hear from us soon!

21 Mar 2024 at 3:32 pm
4 min
Published by:
Marieke Menkveld-Theijssen
Sr. Export Documentation Agent
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