Binding Origin Information when exporting

Are you planning to export originating goods to a country with which the EU has a free trade agreement? If so, you may benefit from a certificate of binding origin information (BOI).

Binding origin information is a written decision concerning the origin of a product. It is issued by a customs authority and is valid in all EU member states.

When is binding origin information useful?

One example of when you may benefit from a BOI is when drawing certificates of origin for goods that you intend to export to countries with which the EU has a free trade agreement. If the customs authority in the importing country should inspect your certificate of origin, you may refer to your BOI.

However, you cannot request a statement of origin to certify the general origin when importing to third countries. In this case, you must turn to the customs authorities in that country to determine the origin.

Find out more about the difference between origin according to a free trade agreement and the general rules of origin.

Does a BOI decision cost money?

Binding origin information is normally issued free of charge. However, if Swedish Customs incurs expenses for expert opinions or samples which have to be returned to you, Swedish Customs may claim compensation for such expenses.

A BOI decision is valid for three years

Binding origin information issued after 1 May 2016 is valid for three years. Binding origin information issued prior to 1 May 2016 is valid for six years.

The certificate of origin is binding for customs authorities and the recipient of the certificate alike. It is only valid for the applicant and recipient company, but may be used as guidance by other companies.

The European Commission publishes information about binding origin information

The European Commission registers all binding origin information issued in the EU, compiles non-sensitive data and publishes them on its website.

Find of valid BOIs.

State the legal basis in your application

Applications for binding origin information are submitted by mail to Swedish Customs by using a form. You may only apply for a BOI for specific planned exports and a separate application is required for each individual article.

When applying for binding origin information you must indicate whether it should be issued on the basis on one or several free trade agreements or on the basis of the general rules of origin. Enter the appropriate information in the “Legal basis” field on the application form. Also indicate in this field if you intend to use the certificate to import to or export from the EU.

If you need the binding origin information to establish whether the product’s origin is determined by a free trade agreement the legal basis is article 64 of the Union Customs Code and the rules of origin in the relevant free trade agreement. Thus, refer to article 64 of the Union Customs Code in the “Legal basis” field and indicate the country or countries to which the goods will be exported.

BOI decision form, PDF, 90.7 kB. Pdf, 126.8 kB.

Information about BOI in the guidance from the European Commission.

Appealing a decision

If you are dissatisfied with a BOI decision you may file an appeal with the administrative court. The binding origin information decision contains information about how to appeal.

Further information

Binding Origin Information when importing to the EU.

Inspections of certificates of origin.