REX Registration – Complete Guide for Exporters

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IEC (Import Export Code) Registration – Apply Online, Documents, Benefits

Global trade is changing dynamically, and exporters have to remain in sync with changing systems that ease export processes and enhance competitiveness. One of the systems that facilitates this is the Registered Exporter System (REX), a self-certification system that eliminates old certificates of origin for exports to the European Union (EU) under the Generalised System of Preferences (GSP).

In this step-by-step guide, Afleo Group shows you the whole shebang about REX Registration, from the why and how it works through to how it can benefit you and how much compliance is required, so that you can register quickly and export to the EU.

What is REX?

The Registered Exporter System (REX) is the European Union (EU)-initiated self-certification system aimed at making it easier to obtain statements of origin for goods being exported using the EU’s Generalised System of Preferences (GSP).

In this system, exporters already registered with the relevant authority (in India, the DGFT) are allowed to self-issue their own “Statements on Origin” rather than applying for a Certificate of Origin (Form A) for every shipment.

Briefly, REX Registration substitutes the old paper-based certificate system with an electronic, simplified, and exporter-initiated system, time-saving and transparency-promoting.

Objective of REX

Boost Export Earnings

REX facilitates access to the EU market by enabling exporters to self-certify origin, avoiding time and cost, which boosts competitiveness and export incomes.

Encourage Industrialization

By simplifying export formalities, REX inspires Indian exporters to improve their activities, emulate international best practices, and develop manufacturing capabilities.

Boost Economic Growth

The mechanism benefits India’s long-term economic interests by stimulating exports, contributing foreign exchange revenues, and boosting national economic growth.

Legal Framework of REX

The Registered Exporter System is based on the EU’s preferential origin and trade legislative framework under the Generalised System of Preferences (GSP).

Basic Act

The EU GSP Regulation (Regulation (EU) No 978/2012) is the legislative basis defining the REX system. It provides guidelines for eligibility, benefits, and rules of origin for developing countries such as India.

Delegated Regulation

Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2015/2446 specifies definitive rules on how exporters can register and what they are required to do under REX.

Implementing Regulation

Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/2447 provides operational specifications for customs authorities and exporters, with the aim of harmonization in all EU member states.

Details of Implementation

REX is brought within reach by international trading systems by way of the EU customs network and India’s DGFT online system to allow electronic verification and record-keeping.

Formation of REX Number

On approval, exporters are assigned a distinctive REX Number following the following pattern:

INREXXXXXXXXX
“IN” is the code for the country (India).
“REX” reflects registration under the REX scheme.
The remaining digits are the exporter’s own registration number.

This amount should be quoted on all Statements on Origin submitted along with exports to the EU on GSP benefits.

Applicability & Validity

Who Needs REX Registration

You require REX Registration if:

You are an exporter of goods from India to member countries of the EU under the EU-GSP program.
You possess a valid Import Export Code (IEC).
You are an exporter of manufacturing or a merchant exporter.

Your value of export consignment is more than €6,000 per shipment (exports below €6,000 need not be REX-registered but must nonetheless be accompanied by a Statement on Origin).

Validity & Registration

One-Time Registration

Your granted REX number will be valid for life unless suspended or withdrawn for non-compliance.

Common System

Your registration covers all EU member states, eliminating the requirement for registrations per destination.

No Registration Fee

The process is completely free of charge, hence affordable for MSMEs and small exporters.

Phasing Out of CoO

REX has phased out the ageing Certificate of Origin (Form A) system, reducing paperwork for exporters.

Calendar of Integration in REX (for reference)

Countries phased out the REX system step by step over a number of years:

2017: India, Kenya, Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan
2018: Indonesia, Vietnam, Cambodia, Ethiopia
2019: Balance GSP beneficiary countries implemented the system

This launch plan guaranteed global adoption and transition to the new organizational framework without any issues.

REX Registration Procedure

Prepare Application

Prior to applying, procure essential business documents like:

Import Export Code (IEC)
PAN & GST Registration
Business Registration Certificate (e.g., Udyam, Partnership Deed, or Certificate of Incorporation)

Bank Account Information

Submit Online

Indian REX Registration applications are submitted online through the DGFT website. Exporters complete the REX form, enclose supporting documents, and submit it to the concerned Regional Authority (RA) of DGFT.

Get Your REX Number

Your REX Number is made available after verification by DGFT and will be emailed to you. You can now use this number on your Statements on Origin for export to the EU.

Step-by-Step Register

Visit the DGFT website
Log in using your IEC and password.
Go to “Services → REX Registration.”
Enter details such as business name, address, IEC, PAN, and contact numbers.
Upload supporting documents.
Submit the application to the concerned DGFT Regional Office.
Wait for authentication and authorization.
Get your REX Number through email confirmation.

Documents Required

Import Export Code (IEC)
PAN Card
GST Certificate (if required)
Business Registration Proof (Incorporation Certificate, Partnership Deed, Udyam)
Bank Account Proof
Authorized Signatory ID Proof

Ensure that all documents are accurate and up-to-date to avoid delay in approval.

Post Registration Compliance

After receiving your REX Number, exporters must adhere to some compliance requirements:

Statement on Origin

Instead of providing a Certificate of Origin, exporters must include a self-declaration (Statement on Origin) on export invoices to the EU.

Record Keeping

Keep proper records of all export transactions, invoices, and statements incurred under REX for three years in the event your records are to be verified by customs agents.

Important Note

Make sure all shipments qualify under REX origin and that your REX information is prominently marked on documentation to prevent denial of preferential treatment.

Advantages of REX Registration

Obtaining registration under REX has several commercial and operational benefits to exporters:

Streamlined Export Documents: Origin self-declare without the need to apply for routine certificates.
Quick Customs Clearance: Less paperwork accelerates export clearance at the ports.
EU Preferential Tariffs: Qualified exports pay less or no customs duty with the EU-GSP.
Reduced Administrative Cost: Saved time and effort through CoO applications.
Increased Credibility: Gains credibility and transparency for EU buyers and trading partners.

Exporters can have a simpler, faster, and more compliant export process by adopting REX.

FAQ’s

1. How does REX differ from the old Certificate of Origin system?

The old Certificate of Origin (Form A) system involved exporters applying for every shipment for approval. With REX, exporters can certify origin themselves, reducing complexity and third-party certification reliance.

2. Do I require registration in the REX system if my consignments are worth less than €6,000?

No, if your consignment value is less than €6,000, you may continue to export under the facilitation of GSP but without registration, with an attachment of a Statement on Origin.

3. For how long will the REX registration remain valid?

REX registration is permanent, subject to exporters continuing to be in compliance with DGFT and EU regulations.

4. Are merchant exporters eligible for registration under the REX system?

Yes, merchant exporters, along with manufacturer exporters, can be registered under REX.

5. What if I commit a mistake while filling up a Statement on Origin?

In case of mistakes, correct them at the earliest and notify both DGFT as well as the EU buyer importing to avoid rejection of preferential claims or penalty.

How Afleo Can Assist With REX Registration

At Afleo Group, we are dedicated to making international trade procedures stress-free for Indian exporters and importers. Our Customs and DGFT professionals provide end-to-end REX Registration assistance so that the process is hassle-free as well as risk-free.

Here’s how Afleo assists:

Step-by-Step Assistance for Application: From documentation to submission on the DGFT portal.
Compliance & Verification Assistance: Making your information EU and DGFT compliant.
Ongoing Support: Ongoing support for Statement on Origin preparation and compliance.

Contact Afleo today for expert support for your REX Registration and easier integration into the EU market.