Export documents EX-A or EU-A for export.

What are EX-A or EU-A documents?

EX-A and EU-A are two of the most commonly used forms of the export declaration, with the distinction being the country of destination. You use an EX-A form for the standard export declaration outside of Europe. You use an EU-A form for exports to countries outside the EU but still within Europe, such as the EFTA countries (Norway, Switzerland, Iceland, Liechtenstein), Turkey, and, since Brexit, the United Kingdom. Both procedures apply only to Community goods: goods that are already in free circulation within the EU.

What export documents do you need?

In addition to the EX-A or EU-A document, you’ll need several other documents for most export shipments. The commercial invoice and the packing list form the basis: these documents list the description, quantity, and value of the goods. In addition, you must file the export declaration with customs before the goods leave the EU. For preferential exports, where your customer pays less or no import duties, a proof of origin is also required: an EUR.1 certificate or an invoice declaration. The exact documents required depend on the country of destination and the value of the shipment.

Documents required for most export shipments:

• Trade invoice and packing list
• Export Declaration (EX-A, EU-A, or CO-A, depending on the destination)
• Certificate of Origin for preferential trade (EUR.1 certificate or invoice declaration)

How do you prepare an EX-A or EU-A document?

Filing an EX-A or EU-A declaration begins with gathering the correct information about the shipment: a complete description of the goods, the quantity, the value, and the destination of the shipment. Using this information, you must submit the export declaration to the customs office in the country of export. The customs office verifies the information provided and processes the declaration if everything is correct. This customs documents For companies that export regularly, this is a recurring process for each shipment.

(For the underlying proof of origin, EUR.1 or invoice declaration—not the export declaration itself—you will also need the commercial invoice and packing list, as well as a power of attorney for direct representation, including an extract from the Chamber of Commerce to verify that the authorized representative has signing authority.)

What is an authorized exporter?

If you are a company that regularly exports using a EUR.1 certificate or an invoice declaration, you can apply to Customs for an authorized exporter permit (Article 67 of the Implementing Regulation of the Customs Union). With this authorization, you may draw up an invoice declaration yourself and include it on your sales invoice without having to request a certificate for each shipment. You must include the authorization number on the declaration. This is particularly relevant for shipments exceeding the value threshold of €6,000, above which a standard invoice declaration is no longer sufficient without this authorization.

In addition, more and more countries are accepting the REX (Registered Exporter) system as an alternative to the Authorized Exporter license. With a REX number, you can issue certificates of origin yourself, without needing a separate Authorized Exporter license. For countries where REX is not (yet) accepted, you will still need the Authorized Exporter license.