Paneuromed Convention economic partneship agreement between European Union (EU) and Ivory Coast – Ease of rules and proof of origin

In the current economic context, some measures have been taken to encourage European operators to trade internationally, in particular with countries in the Euromed zone. Companies must evaluate the impact of these measures on their flows.

 

PANEUROMED Facilitations for companies[1].

Background

The Paneuromed regional convention on preferential rules of origin (2013) provides for two types of proof of origin (EUR.1 and EUR-MED).

Discussions on the modernization of this convention started in 2012 in order to adapt the rules of origin to economic and supply chains developments. These talks have led to a definitive text. To enter into force, the new convention must be voted unanimously by its members. So far, not all parties have given their support to the revised convention.

 

Not-with-standing, most of the signatories (21 out of 24) to the PANEUROMED agreement have decided to implement the revised rules, while maintaining discussions with the rest of the partners. This temporary solution allows the operators of the voluntary parties to benefit from simplified, modernized and often more flexible rules of origin, without waiting for the unanimous vote of the revised convention.

The two sets of rules shall coexist between the EU and the parties that accept the revised rules, also known as “transitional rules” or “alternative rules”.

 

The amendments

The main purpose is to make the procedures for certifying proof of origin more flexible, in particular by facilitating the use of supplier declarations.

Commission guidelines on the transitional application of the rules of origin

Regulatory update (29/11/2022):

The modernized rules incorporate more flexible and modern provisions, which have already been approved by the EU in the framework of other recently concluded bilateral agreements (EU-Canada, EU-Vietnam, EU-Japan, EU-Southern African Development Community) or unilateral preferences (Generalized System of Preferences).

Other revised provisions relate to important origin concepts, such as:

– Reference to aquaculture products

– Sufficient processing, application of the principle of calculation on the basis of the average value

– Modifications of certain rules for specific products

– Increase of the tolerance threshold to 15%.

– Extension of cumulation mechanisms

Countries concerned by the measure: Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland, Faroe Islands, Turkey, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine, Georgia, Republic of Moldova, Ukraine, Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Northern Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia and Kosovo.

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ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT EU COTE D’IVOIRE

Since December 2, 2022, proof of preferential origin can be provided by any exporter registered on REX for imports into the EU of more than EUR 6,000.

[1] Commission notice concerning the application of the transitional rules of origin providing for
diagonal cumulation between the applying Contracting Parties (1) in the pan-Euro-Mediterranean
(PEM) zone

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