EUR1 Certificate for Vehicle Exports

What is a EUR1 certificate?

A EUR1, also called a "movement certificate," is an official customs document that proves a vehicle has EU origin. When customs authorities in non-EU countries accept this document, it can reduce or completely eliminate import duty.

Without a EUR1, buyers in some non-EU markets may pay customs duty, often around 10–15% of the vehicle’s value. On a €15,000 car, that's up to €2,250. A valid EUR1 can eliminate that cost entirely.

Important: EUR1 does not guarantee duty reduction in every case. That depends on the specific trade agreement between the EU and the destination country. Always verify with the destination country's customs before relying on a EUR1.

Why EUR1 matters for dealers

The EUR1 affects your profit on every non-EU export. Without it, you pay the full customs duty — typically 10–15% of the vehicle's value. With the EUR1, that cost can drop to zero.

As a non-EU car dealer, you can source vehicles from across Europe at a lower import cost, which can increase your profit margin.

Reduce or eliminate customs duty on exported vehicles
Make EU-sourced vehicles price-competitive in non-EU markets
Applicable to both new and used vehicles with EU manufacturing origin

Countries accepting EUR1 for vehicles

The EUR1 applies in countries that have a trade agreement with the EU.

The table below shows the main regions. Terms vary, so always verify the status for your specific destination.

Region	Countries	Notes
Western Balkans	Serbia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo	Stabilisation and Association Agreements
EFTA	Switzerland, Norway	EFTA Convention
Middle East & North Africa	Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Algeria, Tunisia, Morocco, Egypt	Euro-Mediterranean agreements
Eurasia	Moldova, Georgia	Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreements (DCFTA)

Pan-Euro-Mediterranean zone: The EUR1 is part of the Pan-Euro-Med (PEM) system. This means that in some cases, parts from other PEM countries can count towards EU origin.

Vehicle origin requirements

To qualify for a EUR1, the vehicle must have an EU origin. You prove this with one of two documents:

Proof type	What it is	Availability	Typical cost
Certificate of Origin (COO)	Manufacturer-issued document confirming where the vehicle was produced	Depends on brand — not all manufacturers issue them	~€150 (e.g. Volvo)
Exporter declaration	Written declaration by the exporter confirming EU origin	Any exporter can issue one, but it carries personal liability	Free

The Certificate of Origin (COO) is usually the safer option for most dealers.

It comes from the manufacturer and carries no personal liability for you. However, availability varies by brand. Some manufacturers do not issue COOs, especially German brands like VW, BMW or Mercedes; while some others, such as Volvo, do for certain models.

Not all vehicles qualify: Vehicles without an EU origin do not qualify, even if an EU dealer sells them. A BMW assembled in South Africa or a Toyota built in Japan cannot get a EUR1.

Simplified threshold: In some cases, vehicles valued at under €6,000 can use an origin declaration instead of a EUR1. Always check the trade agreement for your destination.

How to obtain a EUR1: step by step

Confirm eligibility: Check that the destination country has an active EU trade agreement that covers vehicles. Review the agreement's rules of origin.
Determine available origin proof: Find out if you can get a COO from the manufacturer, or whether you will need an exporter declaration. Contact the manufacturer's national representative.
Prepare export documents: Gather the commercial invoice, vehicle registration papers, the buyer's identification or passport, and the COO or exporter declaration.
Request EUR1 through a transit agency or customs: Submit the application through a transit agency or your national customs office. In Belgium, agencies like A-Telma, Maersk, Gevex, Sany, or Kuehne+Nagel handle this.
Customs validates the EUR1: The customs authority in the exporting country reviews, stamps, and returns the EUR1.
Present EUR1 at import clearance: Present the validated EUR1 to customs in the destination country with your other import documents.
Destination customs assesses the duty: Destination customs applies the preferential rate. Some countries require a deposit — for example 10% of the vehicle's value — which may be partially refunded later.
Retain copies: Keep copies of all EUR1 documents. Destination customs can request verification from the exporting country's customs.

Who issues EUR1 certificates?

Transit agencies can prepare and issue the EUR1 application, and the national customs authority validates it.

Agencies in Belgium that can help with EUR1 applications for vehicle exports:

A-Telma — customs brokerage and transit documentation
Maersk — logistics and customs services
Gevex — vehicle export documentation specialist
Sany — customs clearance services
Kuehne+Nagel — logistics and customs brokerage

Not all agencies specialize in the same export services. Request quotes from a few agencies and confirm EUR1 experience before committing.

Important considerations

EUR1 does not guarantee zero duty

A EUR1 proves origin. Whether that means zero duty — or just a lower rate — depends on the trade agreement with the destination country. Some countries also charge other fees or taxes that the EUR1 does not cover.

Rules vary by destination

Every trade agreement has different terms, coverage, and procedures. What applies in Serbia may not apply in Morocco. Always check with a local customs broker before you commit to a deal based on expected duty savings.

Deposit and refund procedures

Some destination countries require an upfront customs deposit — for example around 10% of the vehicle's value — that may be partially refunded after the EUR1 is processed and verified. Refund timelines vary and can take several months. Factor this into your cash flow planning.

Not all vehicle brands qualify

The EUR1 is about the vehicle's origin, not where the brand is headquartered. A Nissan built in Sunderland does not count as EU origin after Brexit. A Hyundai assembled in the Czech Republic does. Always check the production plant for the vehicle's VIN.

Certificate of Origin availability

Not all manufacturers issue Certificates of Origin. German brands — including VW Group, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz — typically do not. Volvo may issue them for certain models at approximately €150. If you cannot get a COO, you will need to use an exporter declaration — which makes you personally liable if the origin claim is wrong.

We sourced this information from EU customs regulations, official trade agreement texts, and operational experience processing vehicle export documentation across European and non-EU markets.