Phase-out of EUR.1 Certificates for Pacific Exports: New Rules for EU Businesses
As of September 1, 2026, new rules officially came into force governing how European Union exporters must certify the preferential origin of goods destined for Pacific States (including Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Samoa, and the Solomon Islands) under the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA).
For exporting companies and international logistics operators, this represents a crucial shift: traditional EUR.1 movement certificates (issued by customs authorities) are no longer valid for this route. They are replaced by origin statements issued directly by the exporter via the REX (Registered Exporter) system.
Key Changes for EU Exporters
The implementation of the mandatory REX system aims to simplify and digitize customs procedures by transferring declaration responsibility directly to the exporter.
1. Goodbye to EUR.1 Certificates
Customs authorities no longer issue paper-based EUR.1 forms for shipments to Pacific countries covered by the agreement. Benefiting from preferential tariff treatment (reduced or zero duty rates) upon import into partner states requires an origin statement directly on a commercial document (such as an invoice, delivery note, or packing list).
2. The €6,000 Threshold and REX Registration Requirements
Shipments exceeding €6,000: EU exporters must be registered in the European Commission’s REX database and include their REX registration number in the origin statement.
Shipments up to €6,000: Exporters may issue the origin statement on commercial documents without needing a REX registration number.
3. Standardized Wording for Origin Statements
The origin statement inserted into commercial documentation must follow the standardized text provided by the Agreement:
“The exporter of the products covered by this document (customs authorization or REX No ……) declares that, except where otherwise clearly indicated, these products are of …… preferential origin.”
How Asian Logistics Supports Your Global Supply Chain
Transitioning to the REX system requires companies to carefully verify the origin criteria of their goods and ensure compliant customs management. An incorrect or non-compliant origin statement risks invalidating duty preferences for your destination clients, resulting in customs holds and extra costs.
As an international freight forwarder, Asian Logistics assists importers and exporters across all supply chain stages:
Customs Advisory: Guidance on verifying origin criteria and managing documentation compliance.
Multimodal Transport: Comprehensive ocean and air freight management to Oceania and the Pacific region.
Regulatory Monitoring: Continuous updates on evolving EU and global trade regulations.
Official Sources & References
European Commission (EUR-Lex Official Journal):
European Commission (DG TAXUD):
EU Trade with Countries of Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific (ACP) – REX Rules
Italian Customs and Monopolies Agency (ADM):
ADM Notice No. 17/06/2026 – EU-Pacific EPA Agreement and Proof of Origin for EU Exports (Select the notice regarding the EU-Pacific EPA agreement dated June 18, 2026)
