Free checklist for a 100% correct REX declaration!

28 April 2025

As an importer, it is your responsibility to provide a correct REX declaration. Your forwarder can only take an advisory role in the process. Unfortunately, even the smallest (typing) error could result in unnecessary costs, checks, extra import duties, or even the withdrawal of the tariff preference. To point you in the right direction, we have now developed a handy checklist. If your supplier follows these steps, you are both guaranteed an error-free REX declaration!

REX declarations in a nutshell

How does it work again? REX replaces the previous Form A, a so-called ‘certificate or origin’. A certificate of origin is basically a sentence on the invoice, stating which GSP country the product originates from. This will give you tariff preference. A registered exporter may add this to the invoice themselves. This means intervention from an authority is no longer required, as was the case with the Form A.

The introduction of the REX system has simplified trade with APS countries such as Bangladesh, Pakistan, India, and Vietnam. There are no issues as long as your supplier, who obviously must be registered as an exporter, provides the correct REX declaration. Unfortunately, these declarations are not always completed properly. Customs often check this afterwards, which means you will find out about this later as well.

Download our free REX checklist now!

We understand it can be quite complicated for you, as an importer. Especially when an intermediary is involved, or if an agent prepares the invoice (which means the invoice is not prepared by the person who produced the goods).

That is why we want to help point you in the right direction. If you and your supplier follow this checklist step by step, you will both avoid any possible pitfalls.

Checklist REX-Declaration ENG DEF

Points to note and additional information

As you are responsible for submitting a correct REX declaration, we advise you to check it thoroughly and in good time (preferably as soon as possible after the goods have left). This way, you give your supplier some time to make changes, if needed, without delaying your shipment. We would like to remind you that making any changes yourself is considered fraud by Customs.

Team Ritra, unlike other forwarders – from what we hear through the industry grapevine – genuinely wants to offer support here. There is a reason we are AEO certified, and we believe our advice to you is a valuable investment in our long-term relationship with you, our customer.

For real-life examples, please take a look at these previous articles:

REX declarations cause problems for importers | Ritra Cargo

Customers incur additional costs for incorrect REX declaration | Forwarder Ritra Cargo

Exporter Registration (REX) to become mandatory when trading with GSP countries

If you have any further questions about this topic, please contact us on tel. 010-76 71 000.