Planning to export to European countries? To benefit from reduced duties and tariffs using a EUR.1 certificate, the first step is to register at customs as an EFTA-SACU or a SADC-EU EPA exporter. You can then apply for EUR.1 certificates, which come in packs of 10. You need to fill in one EUR.1 certificate per export to a European country.

Here is example of a completed EUR.1 certificate and below is an example of how to complete it:

How do I complete the certificate?

As you will notice from the above examples, each section of the certificate is numbered (sections 1-12). Below is a guide on how to complete each section. 

• Section 1: Name, address, and customs registration number of exporter
• Section 2: Country of origin (South Africa) and the destination country (country you are exporting to)
• Section 3: Name and address of buyer (importer)
• Section 4: South Africa’s official abbreviation (ZA)
• Section 5: Destination country’s official abbreviation
• Section 6: Optional section. You may list the mode of transport (road/sea/air), the departure and destination cities, and/or the transport vessel number here. For example “Airfreight from Cape Town to London” or “Sea freight, MSC Fairweather V 568”.
• Section 7: Optional section. Additional comments and exporter’s internal reference number.
• Section 8: Basic description of the cargo and how it is packed. If the packaging contains any marks, mention them here. If not, state “no marks”. Also, include the container number if there is one. E.g. “2000 cartons (50cm x 400cm x 65cm) of cat food in a 1x 6 metre container. No marks”.
• Section 9: Cargo’s total weight including packaging material.
• Section 10: Optional section. Provide the number and date of the commercial invoice accompanying the cargo.
• Section 11: For official use, leave this blank.
• Section 12: Exporter signature and date.
• Back Page: A brief description of how the goods were manufactured and proof of origin (i.e. proof that the goods were either wholly or partly manufactured in South Africa). An example statement could be “manufactured in a South African factory using South African and imported raw materials”). Also list any supporting documents that you can supply, such as a manufacturer’s declaration. The supporting documents are not compulsory. Also, make sure to sign and date the back page.

How do I apply for EUR.1 certificates?

1. Register: To apply for EUR.1 certificates, you must first register at customs as an EFTA-SACU, SADC-EU EPA or a SACUM-UK EPA exporter. We can register you for any of these trade agreements as an add-on with your new import export license or when we amend your existing import export license. If you would like to find out if you are registered, contact us or call our offices on 087 550 1038.
2. Order: Order a pack of EUR.1 certificates here.

If you would like to learn more about the other South African trade agreements you can benefit from, read our blog post on Trade Agreements & Certificates of Origin.