EUR-MED certificate: applications in the Pan-Euro-Mediterranean zone
How the EUR-MED certificate enables diagonal cumulation across the Pan-Euro-Mediterranean network.
The EUR-MED movement certificate is a variant of the EUR.1 certificate specifically used for trade flows within the Pan-Euro-Mediterranean (PEM) zone. The certificate enables diagonal cumulation between PEM partner countries, allowing materials and processing from multiple countries to count towards determining the preferential origin of a product.
Difference between EUR.1 and EUR-MED
The key distinction lies in the cumulation possibilities:
| Feature | EUR.1 | EUR-MED |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Bilateral agreements | PEM convention |
| Cumulation | Bilateral | Diagonal (multiple PEM countries) |
| Box 7 (cumulation) | Not applicable | Mandatory |
| Countries | Defined per agreement | All PEM participants |
| Origin rules | Per agreement | Harmonised PEM protocol |
When is EUR-MED required?
A EUR-MED is required when:
- Goods are exported to a PEM partner country
- Materials from other PEM countries were used in production (diagonal cumulation)
- The importer wishes to claim the preferential tariff based on PEM cumulation
Where no cumulation has been applied, a regular EUR.1 may be used in many cases.
PEM zone countries
The Pan-Euro-Mediterranean zone comprises an extensive network of countries and territories:
- EU Member States (27 countries)
- EFTA countries: Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland
- Western Balkans: Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia
- Mediterranean partners: Algeria, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Tunisia, Palestine, Turkey
- Faroe Islands, Moldova, Georgia, Ukraine
The cumulation field (box 7)
Box 7 of the EUR-MED certificate is critical and must be completed correctly:
- "Cumulation applied with [country/countries]" — when diagonal cumulation has been applied, specifying the PEM countries involved
- "No cumulation applied" — when the product was manufactured exclusively with EU materials or wholly obtained in the EU
An incorrect or missing entry in box 7 can lead to refusal of the preferential tariff by the importing customs authority.
Transitional rules
Since 2021, two parallel sets of origin rules exist within the PEM zone:
- Conventional PEM rules — the original origin rules from the PEM convention
- Transitional rules — simplified alternative rules applied bilaterally between countries that have accepted them
The transitional rules offer more flexible origin rules (for example, higher tolerances for non-originating materials), but limit cumulation possibilities. When using transitional rules, diagonal cumulation is only possible with countries that apply the same transitional rules.
Practical considerations
- Always verify that both the exporting and importing country have accepted the transitional rules before applying them
- Track which origin rules (conventional or transitional) are used per product and per trade relationship
- Ensure supplier declarations explicitly state under which regime the origin was determined
- When in doubt: consult customs or use the standard PEM convention rules
Related articles
- EUR-1 certificate: standard and simplified procedures: Complete guide to EUR-1 certificates including when simplified procedures apply and how to use them.
- Form A: certificate of origin in the GSP system: How Form A certificates work within the Generalized System of Preferences for developing country exports.
- GSP simplified arrangements: REX system and thresholds: How the REX self-certification system replaces Form A for GSP beneficiary countries above the threshold.
Related downloads
- Whitepaper: Preferentiele oorsprong zonder risico: ROSA, BOI, and REX guidance with checklist templates for first audit sprint.
- AI-driven origin classification with explainability: How explainable AI improves origin classification accuracy, reduces disputes, and satisfies EU AI Act transparency requirements.
- Comparison: manual origin workflows vs PSRA: Showcase traceability and workflow speed-up versus spreadsheet process.
Related definitions
- EUR-1 certificate: The EUR-1 certificate (movement certificate) is the standard proof of preferential origin for exports to countries with a bilateral EU trade agreement.
- EUR-MED certificate: The EUR-MED certificate is the movement certificate variant enabling diagonal cumulation within the PEM zone and indicating whether cumulation was applied.
- Certificate of origin (Form A): Form A is the certificate of origin issued by developing countries as proof of preferential origin under the GSP (Generalized System of Preferences).
- Preferential origin: Preferential origin determines whether goods qualify for preferential treatment under a trade agreement.