Customs experts from Moldova and Ukraine have been briefed on the implementation of the Pan-Euro-Mediterranean (PEM) Convention on preferential rules of origin.

A special workshop was provided to Moldova’s Customs Service and Ukraine’s State Fiscal Service to ensure the full benefits of the Convention are achieved by businesses in both countries. The workshop was organised in conjunction with the European Commission’s DG TAXUD.

Participants were briefed on the aims and benefits of the PEM Convention, as well as on the ongoing revision of the rules of origin designed to simplify and facilitate trade.

The trainers presented EU practice on the use of suppliers’ declarations, the functioning of exporters’ systems, the application of the no-drawback rule and customs control on preferential imports.

The experts also exchanged experiences on their accession to the PEM Convention and the application of the current rules of origin operating in their Association Agreements with the EU.

Moldova is already applying the PEM Convention, while Ukraine has recently initiated the procedure for becoming a Contracting Party.

The Pan-Euro-Mediterranean Convention is a legal instrument on rules of origin applied in bilateral preferential trade between the Contracting Parties. It makes links to free trade agreements with other Contracting Parties, which allows for cumulating of origin and better use of preferences.