GSP simplified arrangements: REX system and thresholds
How the REX self-certification system replaces Form A for GSP beneficiary countries above the threshold.
The REX system (Registered Exporter System) is the simplified scheme for origin proofs under the EU's Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP). It replaces the traditional Form A certificate with a self-certification system, where registered exporters issue their own origin statements on commercial documents. The objective is to reduce administrative burden and facilitate trade with developing countries.
REX registration
Exporters in GSP beneficiary countries must register with their national competent authority to use the REX system. The registration process follows these steps:
- The exporter submits an application to the competent authority of the exporting country
- The authority verifies the exporter's details and capacity
- Upon approval, the exporter receives a unique REX number
- The REX number is entered into the public EU REX database
- The registration remains valid as long as the exporter meets the conditions
Value thresholds
The value thresholds determine when REX registration is mandatory:
| Consignment value | Proof of origin | REX registration required? |
|---|---|---|
| Up to EUR 6,000 | Origin statement on invoice | No |
| Above EUR 6,000 | Origin statement on invoice | Yes |
| Any value (old system) | Form A | Not applicable |
Exporters who exclusively ship consignments below EUR 6,000 are not required to register but may still issue an origin statement.
Origin statement versus Form A
The transition from Form A to origin statements under REX entails fundamental changes:
| Aspect | Form A | REX origin statement |
|---|---|---|
| Issued by | Government authority | Exporter |
| Form | Standardised green form | Text on invoice or other commercial document |
| Verification | Stamp and signature of authority | REX number in EU database |
| Retention period | 3 years | 3 years |
| Corrections | Request new certificate | Issue new statement |
Standard text of the origin statement
The origin statement must contain the following prescribed text:
"The exporter of the products covered by this document (customs authorisation No ...[REX number]) declares that, except where otherwise clearly indicated, these products are of ... [origin] preferential origin."
The statement must be signed by the exporter (signature may be omitted for electronic transmission where the country permits this).
Transition timeline
The transition from Form A to REX has been phased:
- 2017: REX registration launched in GSP beneficiary countries
- 2017-2020: Gradual rollout per country; both systems in parallel
- 2020: Most countries transitioned to REX
- Present: Form A is accepted only in exceptional circumstances
Key considerations for EU importers
- Verify your supplier's REX number in the public EU REX database before importing goods
- Retain all origin statements for a minimum of three years
- Ensure the origin statement contains the prescribed text and the correct REX number
- When in doubt about validity: consult the customs authority of the country of import
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.
- EUR-MED certificate: applications in the Pan-Euro-Mediterranean zone: How the EUR-MED certificate enables diagonal cumulation across the Pan-Euro-Mediterranean network.
- Form A: certificate of origin in the GSP system: How Form A certificates work within the Generalized System of Preferences for developing country exports.
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.