Preferential origin checks by KVK

The confirmation of the preferential origin of products is called Genesis certification.The Genesis platform is a collaboration between the International Chamber of Commerc (ICC) and several national chambers of commerce. In the Netherlands, KVK participates in Genesis. 

When do you need preferential origin?

You need the preferential origin of products for export documents. For example for an invoice statement. An exporter declares origin on an invoice statement. A supplier declares origin on a supplier's declaration 2015/2447. 

When it comes to international trade, 'preferred origin' means that products have a privileged position. Foreign buyers pay less or no import duties when importing those products. This is set out in trade agreements between the EU and many other countries

Preferential rules of origin 

You determine the preferential origin of a product based on the preferential rules of origin. These rules are complicated and often differ per country. It is easy to get it wrong, and this often happens. When the wrong preferential origin is used in a statement, an importer may need to pay import duties after all. This means the shipment will be more expensive than expected.

KVK checks and confirms the preferential origin on invoice statements and supplier's declarations of preferential origin. This way you can be sure that the statement is correct.

Fewer customs checks

The Customs Administration of the Netherlands now checks documents proving preferential origin less frequently than before. This is because the EU is concluding new trade agreements with partner countries (in Dutch) more often. The preferential proof of origin you now need is no longer an EUR.1 form. Instead, it is a preferential invoice declaration. This invoice declaration is drawn up by the exporter themselves. The Customs Administration does not check this document. Nor does KVK automatically check it anymore. This means, the risk of mistakes is increasing.

Consequences of wrong preferential origin

Do you use an incorrect preferential origin on a declaration? The importer of your products may receive an additional assessment of import duties from the foreign customs authorities. Meaning the importer will have to pay (more) import duties.

Example

An exporter sends toolboxes of electric hand tools to a customer in the United Kingdom. The exporter buys it from a supplier in the EU. The supplier's declaration 2015/2447 states that the products are of preferential EU origin. The exporter draws up an invoice statement. As a result, the British importer does not pay any import duties.

British Customs doubts the origin, as such tools are often made outside the EU. They do a follow-up check. This indeed shows that the hand tools are not made in the EU. So, no preferential EU origin. The importer receives an additional assessment of the import duties from the British customs, sometimes with added administrative costs.

Customs can charge additional import duties for shipments for up to 5 years later. In addition to financial damage, this can also have a negative impact on your business relationship. And it can even lead to a legal dispute. 

Correct preferential origin

KVK uses Genesis certification to check and confirm the preferential origin of 2 types of statements. Invoice declarations from exporters and preferential supplier declarations from suppliers.

Invoice statements from exporters

KVK checks whether:

• the products you export comply with the preferential rules of origin.
• the correct text has been used on the invoice statement. 
• the correct licence number has been entered if you have an approved exporter's licence (in Dutch) from Dutch Customs. 

KVK then confirms the invoice statement. This has several advantages:

• You can be certain that the invoice statement is correct.
• Your customer runs less risk of paying extra import duties.
• As an exporter, you meet the rules of origin. In other words, you are compliant.

Supplier's declarations of preferential origin

You can only request confirmation for declarations from suppliers established in the Netherlands.

KVK checks whether:

• the preferential origin stated on the supplier's declaration 2015/2447 complies with the preferential origin rules.
• the correct text has been used. 

KVK then confirms the supplier's declaration. This provides these benefits:

• You are certain that your customer receives the correct supplier's declaration.
• You show tht you follow the rules as a supplier, you are compliant. 

 

Applying for Genesis certification

This is how you apply for Genesis certification:

• register on the ICC website
• create an account
• log in with your account
• upload the declaration you want to be verified. This can be an invoice declaration from an exporter or a preferential supplier's declaration from a supplier.
• Also send proof of preferential origin with it. If you are a trader, you must include a preferential supplier’s declaration. Manufacturers prove preferential origin in a different way. Please contact KVK for further information.

If the declaration and proof are in order, KVK will put the certification on your declaration and return it to you digitally. 

Checking Genesis certifications 

The ICC has a separate website where you can check the certifications issued. For example, the certification of your own declaration or a declaration from your supplier. 

Do you have questions about Genesis certification? Please contact the KVK Export Documents department by email or telephone:

• Email: Export documents region West
• Telephone for the region West: 088 585 18 87
• Email: Export documents region East/Southt
• Telephone for region East/South: 088 585 18 89