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
Written and maintained by the Sevensa Compliance Team.
The articles connect product experience with operating patterns for customs, origin, LTSD, CBAM, and audit governance.
Regulatory context
- EU Union Customs Code (UCC)
- European Commission Access2Markets and ROSA guidance
- EU CBAM regulatory guidance
- Dutch Customs operational practice
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 supports transparency-focused customs workflows.
- 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.