South Africa and the European Commission have relaxed the requirement that calls for presentation or submission of original certificates of origin to prove the originating status of goods at the time of clearance.
Instead, copies or electronic versions will be accepted to help curb the spread of Covid-19.
According to a statement released by SA Revenue Service (Sars), in South Africa the relaxation of the rules is subject to the submission of the original certificates within 12 months of their issue in the European Union (EU).
“While Article 26 to Protocol I of the SADC-EU Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) requires the submission of an original proof of origin within ten months, Sars will honour or accept copies or electronic versions of certificates of origin while awaiting the submission of the original versions within twelve months of their being issued in the EU,” according to Sars.
“Traders are encouraged to register for the generous Approved Exporter Scheme, within the meaning of Article 25 to Protocol I of the SADC-EU EPA, which allows an origin declaration to be presented in the importing country no longer than two years after the importation of the products to which it relates.”
Email Alfred Ramoroka at aramoroka@sars.gov.za for further information.
