Instructions to Exporters to complete REX application forms and make

Registered Exporter system (the REX system) is the system of certification of origin of goods that applies in the Generalized System of Preference (GSP) of the European Union since 1^st January 2017. It is based on a principle of self-certification by exporters who will make out themselves so-called statements on origin. To be entitled to make out a statement on origin, an exporter needs to be registered in the REX system and to have a valid registration.

For more details please visit (https://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/business/calculation-customs-duties/rules-origin/general-aspects-preferential-origin/arrangements-list/generalised-system-preferences/the_register_exporter_system_en)

Sri Lanka has agreed to implement the REX system from 01 January 2018. Therefore, the exporters who are willing to register in the REX System are requested to follow the following instruction for completion of the online application for registration.

Complete the Pre-application through (https://conformance.customs.ec.europa.eu/rex-pa-ui/)- The submission of application by Sri Lankan companies will be allowed only after 1^st of January 2018.

Please note: When the Pre-application (online) is completed, in the space provided for TIN should be completed in entering the TIN number issued to your company by the Department of Island Revenue beginning with letters LK without hyphen.  

Example: if the TIN number is 123456789, the number should be entered as   LK123456789

A hard copy of the completed pre-application has to be submitted to the Department of Commerce together with the original and a copy of TIN Registration and necessary supporting documents in order to ascertain the eligibility of the products that the company will export to the EU under the GSP. (Exporters are advised to contact the department before submitting hard copies of the documents if they need more information about required supporting documents)

• Supporting documents
  • Updated Cost Statements/Affidavit/Material Sheet (depends on the product)
  • Original Cusdecs and Original Commercial Invoices for Local & imported raw materials together with a set of photocopies
  • Production flow chart etc if necessary
  • Other relevant documents (EUR1, GSP Form A for exports under cumulation) etc. with a set of photocopies

The rules of determining the origin of good in the EU GSP scheme remain unchanged with the application of the REX System.

The exporters who complete online applications will not become a registered exporter until the Department of Commerce activate the registration of the exporter under the REX after scrutinizing the details and information provided by the exporter and verifying the eligibility of the products for the EU GSP facility that the exporters make self-statements on origin.

A SoO shall be made out for each consignment and will be valid for 12 months from the date on which it is made out.

Exporters should maintain records of shipment for which they make self-certifications at least for 3 years, in case if the Department as the monitoring body receive self-certification made by the exporters for post verification, to reply the EU authorities.

Exporters should submit shipment data to DoC as per given format within two weeks from the on-board date (can be sent the soft copy in excel form through e-mail to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)

Exporters have 12 months period of time from 1^st January, 2018 to become a registered exporter under the REX system. Until 31 December 2018, the Department of Commerce continue to issue certificates of origin Form A at the request of exporters who have not yet been registered in the REX system.

If a registered exporter wishes to make any changes, amendments etc. to the registration, such alterations are allowed only through the Department of Commerce in making a written request. All changes are subject to prior- approval from the Department of Commerce.  

However, unregistered exporters are allowed to make out statements on origin without a REX number for consignments of originating goods having a value which is below 6 000 EUR.

Exporters who need to familiarize on REX system, can follow E-learning through the link. https://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/eu-training/general-overview/download-portal-eu- customs-taxation-elearning-courses_en

Contact for more information and clarifications.