In international trade, the origin of a product determines, among other things, the amount and type of customs duties to be levied and whether other regulations must be observed, such as import quantities or bans. The origin is not always clear, for example in the case of a multi-stage manufacturing process.

Binding origin information from customs helps you to assess the manufacturing process in terms of origin and gives you legal and costing certainty. A distinction is made between "preferential origin", where the goods benefit from preferential customs duties, and "non-preferential origin" without such benefits. On the contrary, the latter can be of particular importance for the levying of anti-dumping duties.

The decision on binding origin information (BOI decision) is binding for both the holder of the decision and the customs authorities of the European Union. However, it does not replace supplier's declarations or proofs of preference and origin, which you may have to submit to the respective authorities.

Note: If you only require non-binding origin information, you can contact your local main customs office. For general information on origin, for example on the rules of origin of a specific product, you can also contact the Central Customs Information Office.