Customs Special Interest Group

Proof of origin in UK trade agreements 

This special interest group gives customs professionals early access to policy updates, technical guidance, and best practice across the UK’s customs and trade compliance landscape, alongside a network of peers to discuss real world challenges.

Proving origin remains a complex area of preferential trade, with businesses required to work with different forms of proof depending on the goods and the country they’re being imported from or exported to. Common proofs include Statements on Origin, supported by Supplier Declarations, which confirm that goods meet the relevant origin rules, while Certificates of Origin serve non preferential purposes and EUR.1 movement certificates may still apply under certain agreements. A Statement on Origin is issued by the exporter to support a preferential claim, whereas a Supplier Declaration provides upstream evidence about the originating status of materials used. Knowing when each document applies, how they interact, and what evidence must be retained is essential to ensure compliance and avoid audit issues, delays, and unexpected duty costs.

Join us for this online Customs SIG session, where we will explore the full range of proofs of origin used in UK trade, explain the practical differences between them. The session will provide clear, actionable guidance to help businesses apply the correct proof in the right context and strengthen their overall origin compliance.

Speaker: Anna Doherty, Director of Customs Practice

When: 10am-10:45am GMT, Wednesday 11^th March 2026

Where: Microsoft Teams | Interactive event