ECEP06000 -  Origin declarations and approved exporter
Source: gov.uk (2025-11-24)


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Approved Exporter status and Origin Declarations

The UK’s trade agreements with the following countries require UK exporters to hold an ‘Approved Exporter’ approval to self certify the preferential origin of their goods, also known as an origin declaration, a statement on origin or an invoice declaration, for consignments of any value: Iceland, Norway, Switzerland (incl. Liechtenstein), Croatia, Macedonia, Israel, Faroe Islands, West Bank/Gaza, Mexico, South Africa, Ceuta/Melilla, Chile, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Andorra, Algeria, Albania, Morocco, Tunisia, Syria, Montenegro and South Korea.

Self-certifying origin is an alternative to obtaining EUR1/EUR-MED Certificates.

You can apply for approved exporter status online using the link, or by post the form at:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/import-and-export-application-for-approved-exporter-status-c1454

Once you are an approved exporter, you are authorised to self-certify the preferential origin of your goods by adding an origin declaration to your invoice, or other document that sufficiently identifies the goods you're exporting. NB: For South Korea, you can only use invoices.

What is an Origin Declaration?

It is a specially worded statement of origin added to your export invoice (or other commercial document relating to the consignment which describes the goods in sufficient detail for them to be identified). When self-certifying the preferential origin of your goods, you are declaring that they meet the rules of origin and the origin procedures set out in the UK's trade agreement with the country you're exporting to. Such declarations can be used by you as an Approved Exporter for consignments of any value.

Get proof of origin for your goods - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/get-proof-of-origin-for-your-goods)

What must I do when I am ready to issue an Origin Declaration?

You must:
- include in the declaration (where indicated) the authorisation number advised to you in your approval letter (including mandatory GB prefix)
- send the original of the invoice to your overseas customer
- keep a copy in your records. All copies and any supporting evidence must be kept for at least 3 years.
What if my invoice also covers non-originating goods?

If a consignment contains a mixture of originating and non-originating goods, then you must clearly indicate on the invoice (eg with an asterisk), those goods which are non-originating and state that 'Goods marked * are non-originating'.

Can I extend my approval to goods exported from other Countries?

Yes. If you think you are likely to export goods from other countries (eg you are a large company with branches across the world), then your approval may be extended on application to such exports. This will be so long as the office at which approval has been granted holds all relevant paperwork confirming origin centrally. The Approved Exporter Authorisation Team who may be responsible for controlling your business must give such approval.

Do HMRC check my records?

Yes. From time to time an officer may call to inspect any documentation relating to your approval in order to confirm the conditions are being met.

Such checks may also be made at the request of the customs authorities of the importing country.

What are the conditions for continued approval?

This is dependent on:
- strict observance of all conditions set out in this leaflet
- correct completion of invoice declarations
- possession at the time of export of relevant proofs of origin for any goods
- notification to The Approved Exporter Authorisation Team if there are any changes of circumstance relating to your original authorisation (eg change of legal entity, source of bought-in materials or trading address changes).