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?
- Registration: To use the REX system, exporters must first register with their national authorities. After approval, they will be assigned a unique REX number.
- 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.
- 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 | 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?
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