Olive oil export certificate of origin: EUR.1, Arab CO
The certificate of origin proves that your olive oil is indeed of Tunisian origin — and it is this proof that unlocks the customs advantage: zero duty in the EU with the EUR.1, zero duty in the Gulf with the Arab certificate of origin. Without the right document, the buyer loses the tariff preference and pays the full rate. This page explains each type of certificate, who issues it, its details, the common mistakes, and offers a guide to download as well as a tool so nothing is overlooked.
Free PDF guide: which certificate of origin for which market, who issues it, how to complete it. Get it by email »
Important notice: certificates of origin are official documents issued by an authority (customs, chamber of commerce) — they are not templates to freely self-issue. The guide below is a preparation support, to be validated with the issuing body and a professional.
In brief
- The certificate of origin proves Tunisian origin and unlocks the customs advantage.
- EUR.1 (or EUROMED): for the EU and EFTA → zero-duty tariff quota.
- Arab certificate of origin (GAFTA / Greater Arab Free Trade Area): for the Gulf and Arab countries.
- Common-law certificate: for markets outside any agreement (USA, Canada, Japan, Brazil, etc.).
- The EUR.1 is issued by customs; the Arab CO and common-law CO by the chamber of commerce.
- Prepare the right file for each market with the export documents checklist.
What is a certificate of origin for?
A certificate of origin attests to the country of origin of the goods. For Tunisian olive oil, it has a dual role:
- Unlocking the tariff preference: thanks to trade agreements, Tunisian origin opens a reduced or zero customs duty on certain markets. Without the right certificate, the importer pays the full rate.
- Meeting customs clearance requirements: many countries require proof of origin, even outside any tariff preference, for marking and control.
The right document depends on the destination market: it is not a universal form.
Which certificate of origin for which market?
| Market | Origin document | Who issues it | What it unlocks |
|---|---|---|---|
| European Union | EUR.1 (or EUROMED) | Tunisian customs | Zero-duty tariff quota |
| EFTA (Switzerland, Norway, etc.) | EUR.1 | Tunisian customs | Preference under the EFTA agreement |
| Gulf / Arab countries | Arab certificate of origin (Greater Arab Free Trade Area) | Chamber of commerce and industry | Reduced / zero duty under the agreement |
| Outside any agreement (USA, Canada, Japan, Brazil, etc.) | Common-law certificate of origin | Chamber of commerce | Origin marking required at customs clearance |
The first application often requires, once, the filing of a complete supporting origin file with the chamber of commerce (articles of association, customs code, product technical file). Plan for it.
Details and elements of a certificate of origin
Depending on the type of document, you will find:
- Exporter: company name, address, country.
- Consignee / importer: depending on the form.
- Country of origin: Tunisia.
- Description of the goods: olive oil, category, HS code 1509, quantity.
- Marks, numbers, number and nature of packages, gross / net weight.
- Reference to the invoice and where applicable to transport.
- Visa of the issuing authority (customs for the EUR.1, chamber of commerce for the COs).
- For the EUR.1: this is a regulated official form, completed and stamped in accordance with the customs procedure — it cannot be improvised.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Choosing the wrong document: applying for an EUR.1 for the Gulf (where the Arab CO is what counts) loses the preference.
- Forgetting the EUR.1 on an EU shipment: the buyer loses the zero duty — a hidden cost that appears in no Incoterm.
- Description inconsistent with the invoice and the packing list: customs may refuse to stamp it.
- Not anticipating the supporting origin file for the first application to the chamber.
- Believing the certificate is a template to print yourself: the EUR.1 and the COs are issued and stamped by an authority.
- Wrong HS code: the 1509 must match the goods exactly.
- Certificate obtained too late: to be applied for for each shipment and built into the documentary schedule.
Standard structure (elements to prepare)
| Block | Content to prepare |
|---|---|
| Exporter | Company name, address, country, customs code |
| Consignee | Depending on the market's form |
| Origin | Tunisia |
| Product | Olive oil, category, HS code 1509, crop year |
| Packaging | Marks, no. and nature of packages, gross/net weight |
| References | Invoice no., transport |
| Issuer | Customs (EUR.1) or chamber of commerce (Arab CO / common-law) |
| Visa | Stamp and signature of the authority |
"Certificate of origin" guide to download (free)
Get by email the PDF guide "Export certificate of origin: EUR.1 & Arab CO": which document for which market, who issues it, which documents to prepare, how to avoid losing the tariff preference. Simple sign-up (double opt-in), no spam.
To know exactly which documents to gather depending on your destination, use the export documents checklist.
Preparation support, to be validated with the issuing body and a professional. The certificate itself is issued by an authority.
FAQ — Export certificate of origin
What is a certificate of origin?
It is an official document attesting to the country of origin of goods. For Tunisian olive oil, it allows the importer to benefit from a tariff preference under trade agreements.
What is the difference between the EUR.1 and the Arab certificate of origin?
The EUR.1 unlocks zero duty in the EU (and EFTA) and is issued by customs. The Arab certificate of origin targets the Gulf and Arab countries and is issued by the chamber of commerce.
Who issues the EUR.1 certificate?
Tunisian customs, at the exporter's request, for each shipment to the EU. They stamp the official form in accordance with the regulatory procedure.
Who issues the Arab certificate of origin?
The chamber of commerce and industry, within the framework of the Greater Arab Free Trade Area. Like the EUR.1, it is applied for per shipment.
Can a certificate of origin be completed yourself?
No. The EUR.1 and certificates of origin are documents issued and stamped by an authority. You prepare the information; the body validates it. Do not self-issue them.
What happens if I forget the EUR.1?
The buyer loses the zero duty in the EU and pays the full rate — a major extra cost that often wipes out the margin. The EUR.1 is applied for for each EU shipment.
Which certificate to export to the United States or Japan?
In the absence of a preferential agreement, a common-law certificate of origin issued by the chamber of commerce, to meet marking and customs clearance requirements.
Is a preliminary file needed for the first application?
Yes, often: a supporting origin file (articles of association, customs code, product technical file) is filed once with the chamber of commerce.
Must the certificate of origin match the invoice?
Yes. The description, the HS code 1509, the quantities and the packaging must be consistent with the invoice and the packing list, otherwise the visa may be refused.
How long does it take to obtain a certificate of origin?
The lead time depends on the body and the market — to be confirmed with customs or the chamber of commerce. Build it into your documentary schedule so as not to delay loading.
Does the certificate of origin replace the COA?
No. The certificate of origin proves origin; the COA (certificate of analysis) proves the quality of the oil (acidity, peroxide, etc.). These are two distinct and complementary documents.
How do I know which certificate applies to me?
Use the export documents checklist: it tells you, depending on your destination market, the exact origin document and the issuing body.
Take action
The right certificate of origin can mean several margin points gained for your buyer.
Export documents checklist » — the exact origin document for your market.
Request a free quote » — dated quotation + standard documentary file per destination.
Data as of July 2026, indicative and to be re-checked before any commitment. Certificates issued by an authority; support to be validated with the issuing body and a lawyer. Sources: EU regulations (EUR.1/EUROMED), Greater Arab Free Trade Area, chambers of commerce, Tunisian customs.
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