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What is the REX system?

The EU import tariff system explained

The REX system, or the Registered Exporter System, has been an integral part of the trade dynamics between the European Union and certain partner countries for several years. This system was introduced to facilitate trade and has now become essential for many exporters. But what exactly does the REX system entail, and why is it so important?

What is the REX system vin the European Union (EU)?

REX, or the Registered Exporter System, is a certification system introduced by the EU. It allows exporters in certain countries to make their own certificates of origin for products. This self-certification replaces the previous methods whereby such paper certificates were originally issued by the government or other competent authorities.

Why was the REX system introduced in the EU?

The main purpose of the REX system is to simplify and modernise trading procedures. Previously, exporters often had to go through long bureaucratic processes to obtain a certificate of origin. With the REX system, registered exporters can now trade faster and more efficiently, boosting trade and reducing costs.


Hoe werkt het REX-systeem en het REX-nummer?

  1. Registration: To use the REX system, exporters must first register with their national authorities. After approval, they will be assigned a unique REX number.
  2. Self-certification: With this REX number, exporters can now create certificates of origin for their products themselves. This usually takes the form of a statement on the invoice.
  3. Control: Although the REX system greatly simplifies the process, there remains an element of control. The authorities can take samples and verify the accuracy of the self-certifications.

Benefits of the REX system

  • Efficiency: Exporters no longer have to wait for a certificate of origin from a government agency, which speeds up the export process.
  • Cost savings: Eliminating the need for third party intervention can lead to significant cost savings.
  • Encouraging trade: Making the process easier and more accessible strengthens trade relations between countries.

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Which countries does the REX system apply to?

The REX system is not universal for all countries outside the EU. It is primarily intended for countries participating in the EU's Generalised Schemes of Preferences (GSP), a trade arrangement that allows certain products from developing countries to enter the EU at reduced or zero tariffs.

Effective date: The REX system has been gradually introduced to replace the former system of GSP forms. It started on January 1, 2017 and has since been rolled out in phases, depending on the country in question and the specific trading arrangement.

Countries:

GSP beneficiary countries
(arrangement) (regional group)
(FTA in force) (MAR)

Effective application date of the REX system (*)

End of the transition period (**)

Afghanistan (EBA)

29/03/2019

30/06/2019

Angola (EBA)

25/04/2018

30/06/2018

Bangladesh (EBA) (Group III)

01/01/2019

31/12/2020 (**)

Benin (EBA)

19/11/2019

31/12/2019

Bhutan (EBA) (Group III)

01/01/2017

30/06/2018

Bolivia (GSP+) (Group II)

08/05/2018

30/06/2019

Burkina Faso (EBA)

20/05/2020

30/06/2020

Burundi (EBA)

27/07/2018

30/06/2018

Cambodia (EBA) (Group I)

01/01/2019

30/06/2020

Cape Verde (GSP+)

12/02/2020

30/06/2020

Central African Republic (EBA)

REX system not yet applied

31/12/2017

Chad (EBA)

REX system not yet applied

30/06/2018

Comoros Islands (EBA) (EPA-ESA) (MAR)

06/01/2017

30/06/2018

Congo (GSP)

28/03/2019

30/06/2018

Cook Islands (GSP)

17/04/2018

30/06/2018

Congo (Democratic Republic of) (EBA)

05/09/2022

30/06/2018

Djibouti (EBA)

REX system nog niet ingevoerd

31/12/2017

Eritrea (EBA)

19/06/2019

30/06/2019

Ethiopia (EBA)

07/03/2017

31/12/2017

Gambia (EBA)

08/10/2019

30/06/2019

Guinea (EBA)

18/05/2019

30/06/2019

Guinea Bissau (EBA)

05/12/2017

30/06/2018

Haiti (EBA)

08/12/2020

31/12/2020 (**)

India (GSP) (Group III)

01/01/2017

30/06/2018

Indonesia (GSP) (Group I)

20/11/2019

31/12/2020 (**)

Kenya (GSP) (MAR)

01/01/2017

31/12/2017

Kiribati (EBA)

04/04/2018

30/06/2018

Kyrgyz Republic (GSP+)

12/02/2019

30/06/2020

Lao People’s Democratic Republic (EBA) (Group I)

01/01/2017

31/12/2017

Lesotho (EBA) (EPA-SADC) (MAR)

17/09/2019

30/06/2020

Liberia (EBA)

01/10/2019

31/12/2017

Madagascar (EBA) (EPA-ESA) (MAR)

25/02/2020

31/12/2020 (**)

Malawi (EBA)

01/01/2018

31/12/2018

Mali (EBA)

22/06/2018

30/06/2018

Mauritania (EBA)

21/01/2020

30/06/2020

Micronesia, Federated States of (GSP)

09/02/2021

31/12/2017

Mongolia (GSP+)

24/12/2019

30/06/2020

Mozambique (EBA) (EPA-SADC) (MAR)

28/12/2018

30/06/2019

Myanmar/Burma (EBA) (Group I)

01/01/2018

31/12/2018

Nepal (EBA) (Group III)

01/01/2017

30/06/2018

Niger (EBA)

16/01/2020

30/06/2019

Nigeria (GSP)

21/03/2019

31/12/2019

Niue Island (GSP)

28/06/2017

31/12/2017

Pakistan (GSP+) (Group III)

06/03/2017

31/12/2017

Philippines (GSP+) (Group I)

28/05/2019

31/12/2020 (**)

Rwanda (EBA)

07/03/2018

31/12/2018

Sao Tomé & Principe (EBA)

29/06/2018

30/06/2018

Senegal (EBA)

01/01/2019

31/12/2020 (**)

Sierra Leone (EBA)

16/08/2018

31/12/2017

Solomon Islands (EBA) (EPA-PACIFIC) (MAR)

20/09/2017

30/06/2018

Somalia (EBA)

REX system not yet applied

31/12/2017

South Sudan (EBA)

REX system not yet applied

31/12/2017

Sri Lanka (GSP+) (Group III)

01/01/2018

30/06/2019

Sudan (EBA)

21/01/2020

30/06/2019

Syria (GSP)

REX system not yet applied

31/12/2018

Tajikistan (GSP)

26/10/2020

31/12/2020 (**)

Tanzania (EBA)

14/06/2018

31/12/2018

Timor-Leste (EBA)

06/08/2020

30/06/2018

Togo (EBA)

27/07/2018

30/06/2018

Tuvalu (EBA)

03/10/2018

31/12/2017

Uganda (EBA)

01/01/2019

31/12/2019

Uzbekistan (GSP)

01/01/2019

30/06/2020

Vanuatu (EBA)

01/01/2019

31/12/2019

Yemen (EBA)

09/06/2018

30/06/2018

Zambia (EBA)

01/01/2017

30/06/2018


China does not use REX, but does not currently have tariff preferences.

Conclusion

The REX system is an example of how the EU strives for a streamlined and optimised trade framework with its partner countries. By giving exporters the opportunity to self-certify the origin of their products, trade becomes faster, easier and more cost-effective. It is essential for exporters to understand and use this system to fully reap its benefits.

  Do you have questions about the REX system?

Contact Westwood Sourcing. We offer expert guidance and support for your export and import processes. Let us help you make your trading efficient and smooth. Contact us now for more information. 


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