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Origin

Preferential origin and provenance

If the goods to be declared for import are subject to a reduced import duty tariff due to the presence of a preferential certificate of origin (e.g. EUR.1 or Form A) or a document attesting the provenance of the goods (A.TR, INF3, T2L(F)) CS will verify the correctness of said documents. 

Occasionally, the terminal can have a certificate of origin EUR.1 validated by Customs. This involves certificates EUR.1 for goods of EU origin that are intended for shipment to third countries. The certificate EUR.1 is issued on the basis of supplier declarations, which are issued by VTTI’s principals. All documents related to the certificate EUR.1 to be issued are saved in a separate dossier.

A link to “C&E – Preferential origin documentation” is included here.


Non preferential origin

A non-preferential certificate of origin can be presented upon the discharge of goods. There are no tax-related measures on the non-preferential origin of goods; therefore, these certificates are accepted for information only. The origin listed on the certificate will be registered in VTTI’s ERP system.

CS checks whether the certificate of origin is related to the goods discharged and that the certificate is filled in completely. Because there are no further measures attached to the origin, no other checks will take place. The origin will be recorded in ERP.

Upon loading of vessels, a non-preferential certificate can be issued at the request of a principal. All correspondence regarding the issuing of this certificate shall be retained by the terminal in the administration (DIVA). The internal procedure used to establish the non-preferential origin is attached.

A link to "C&E - Non-preferential origin" is included here.


Introduction


Inbound origin

When an inbound parcel is registered in the terminal’s ERP system, CS records the non-preferential country of origin of the goods. As a general principle, VTTI relies on origin information provided by the customer. The customer is required to provide the non-preferential country of origin as part of the nomination. VTTI does not accept inbound shipments for which the cargo owner or its representative is unable to identify the non-preferential country of origin.

The origin information recorded upon arrival remains linked to the relevant parcel in the ERP system for as long as the goods remain at the terminal. This provides an auditable record of the origin information received and enables VTTI to trace that information, together with the available supporting documentation, throughout the goods' stay at the terminal.

An inbound shipment may also be accompanied by a proof of origin, a customs status document or other origin-related supporting documentation. These documents, together with the relevant data contained therein, are recorded and stored in the ERP system.

CS performs a reasonableness check to assess whether the documentation appears complete, meets the applicable formal requirements and can reasonably be linked to the shipment concerned. In the event of any doubt, ambiguity or apparent error, CS will request clarification and/or correction from the client.

Where necessary, CS will involve the terminal’s customs specialist. Depending on the complexity or potential financial impact of the matter, the terminal’s customs specialist may request support from CGT.

The preferential origin of goods becomes particularly relevant when they are declared for release for free circulation. Preferential tariff treatment may only be claimed where the goods qualify as originating under the applicable preferential arrangement and the required proof of origin is available and passes the reasonableness check. The form and requirements of the proof may vary depending on the arrangement concerned. CS performs this check to establish whether the proof is available and appears to meet the applicable requirements. If these conditions are not met, VTTI will not claim preferential tariff treatment.

Outbound origin

When goods leave the terminal, origin information may be required for customs or commercial purposes. If the goods have remained unchanged during their stay at the terminal, VTTI relies on the origin information and supporting documents recorded upon arrival, supplemented by any additional information provided by the cargo owner or its representative.

Where goods have undergone processing, blending or other operations at the terminal, the origin of the resulting outbound product may need to be determined. This determination is made by applying the relevant preferential or non-preferential origin rule. Depending on the rule concerned, the nature of the operation performed, the origin and classification of the input materials, and their value, weight or quantity may be relevant. The origin information recorded for inbound parcels and the movements and operations registered in the ERP system provide the basis for this assessment.

As a general principle, VTTI relies on information and supporting documentation provided by the cargo owner or its representative, together with the operational and inventory data available in VTTI’s systems. The cargo owner remains responsible for providing any additional information or documentation required to determine or substantiate the origin of the outbound goods.

Where preferential origin is requested for an outbound product, VTTI assesses whether the product qualifies as originating under the applicable preferential arrangement and whether the origin can be sufficiently substantiated. A proof of origin or other statement supporting preferential origin will only be issued, made out or otherwise facilitated by VTTI where the applicable origin requirements are met and the required supporting evidence is available. If the preferential origin cannot be sufficiently established, VTTI will not issue or facilitate a proof of preferential origin.

The outcome of the origin determination and the relevant supporting documentation are recorded and retained in VTTI’s systems, allowing the origin of the outbound product to be linked to the relevant inbound materials and operations performed at the terminal.


A link to “C&E – Preferential origin documentation” is included here.


A link to "C&E - Non-preferential origin" is included here.