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Origin Certification

Why do I need a Certificate of Origin?

It allows your buyer to pay zero or reduced import duties under Free Trade Agreements (DCFTA, China, Turkey). Without it, your product will face standard tax rates, making it less competitive.

What counts as Georgian origin?

The product must be "wholly obtained" in Georgia or undergo "sufficient processing" (e.g., change of tariff heading or specific value-added criteria). Simple packaging or assembly is not enough.

What is the benefit of Authorized Exporter status?

It allows you to self-certify origin on the invoice, bypassing the need to apply for a physical EUR.1 certificate for every shipment, which streamlines logistics and reduces costs.

Can you help with customs verification?

Yes, if a foreign customs authority questions the origin of your goods, we assist in the verification audit to prove compliance and prevent the revocation of preferences.

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Origin certification is a critical tool in international trade, allowing exporters to benefit from customs preferences (zero or reduced tariffs). Georgia benefits from free trade regimes with the EU (DCFTA), China, Turkey, and CIS countries. For Georgian products to receive preferences, they must meet "Rules of Origin" and obtain the appropriate certificate (EUR.1, CT-1). An incorrectly issued certificate or violation of origin criteria leads to the revocation of preferences and the imposition of taxes by the importing country, often becoming the exporter's liability. Legal services in this area involve analyzing product origin criteria and managing the certificate acquisition process.

What Does Origin Certification Service Cover?

Our lawyers help you maximize export potential:

  • Origin Criteria Analysis: Assessing whether a product meets "wholly obtained" or "sufficiently processed" criteria according to a specific agreement.
  • Obtaining Certificate: Acquiring EUR.1, CT-1, or Certificate of Origin from the Revenue Service or Chamber of Commerce.
  • Invoice Declaration: Obtaining Authorized Exporter status, allowing origin to be declared directly on the invoice without a certificate.
  • Cumulation Rules: Utilizing diagonal and bilateral cumulation opportunities (counting raw materials) in trade with the EU and Turkey.
  • Verification Disputes: Assisting in the verification process initiated by foreign customs when Georgian origin is questioned.
  • Value Calculation: Calculating the share of imported materials in the ex-works price, which is often crucial for assigning origin.

Common Scenarios and Needs

Georgian exporters often make the mistake of thinking that packaging or simple assembly in Georgia is enough to obtain Georgian origin. In reality, this is "insufficient processing." Also, problems arise in Europe when an EUR.1 certificate is filled out with technical errors. Authorized Exporter status significantly simplifies procedures, but obtaining it requires passing a strict audit.

Georgian Legislation and Regulations

Regulation is based on the "Customs Code of Georgia" and the Government Decree "On Approval of Criteria for Determining Country of Origin, Form of Certificate of Origin and Rule of Issuance". International agreements (DCFTA, EFTA, etc.) also apply.

The Process: How a Specialist Works

The lawyer studies the production process and the origin of raw materials. A calculation is made: if imported raw materials do not exceed the allowable limit (e.g., 40%), the product is considered Georgian. An application is prepared for the Revenue Service. In case of verification, the lawyer prepares a response and evidence for foreign partners.

Why Legal.ge?

A Certificate of Origin is the key to entering international markets with zero tariffs. An incorrect certificate creates serious financial risks. Legal.ge gives you access to customs experts who know every nuance of free trade agreements. Specialists on our platform will help you benefit from tax preferences and increase your export competitiveness. Export Georgian products globally with Legal.ge.

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