Origin Declaration

• Origin declaration can be made out by:

  • an approved exporter or;
  • any exporter provided that the total value of the consignment does not exceed EUR 6 000.
• The exporter makes out an origin declaration based on information demonstrating that the product is originating, including information on the originating status of the materials used in the production of the product (such as supplier’s declaration).
• The exporter is responsible for the origin declaration and the information provided being correct and should be prepared to submit all appropriate documents proving the originating status of the products at the request of customs authorities.

How to make out an origin declaration

• The exporter should type, stamp or print the following declaration (as mentioned Annex IV) on the invoice or any other commercial document which describes the products concerned in sufficient detail to enable them to be identified (e.g. delivery note or packing list):

 

(1) Put your approved exporter authorization number (for consignments above €6 000).
(2) Put the origin of your product, either the EU or a SADC EPA State.
(3) Place and date, if not otherwise indicated on the invoice/document.
(4) Name (in clear script) and signature of the exporter. An approved exporter may, within the scope
of his authorisation, be waived from the obligation of signature and in so doing does not need to give the name
of the signatory.

 

The declaration can be made in any official language of the EU or English according to the language versions in the Annex IV

Validity and record keeping.

• Proof of origin is valid for 10 months after the date invoice declaration was made out and needs to be submitted within that period to the customs authorities in the importing party
• A copy of the origin declaration and other relevant documents need to be kept for at least 3 years by the exporter