News: EU

United States import duties 2026: how can you prove the U.S. Origin of Goods?

Since 1 July 2026, reduced or even zero import duties apply to many U.S.-origin goods imported into the European Union. This measure creates opportunities for Belgian and European importers, but it also comes with important considerations. Companies that want to benefit from reduced import duties on goods from the United States must be able to demonstrate the U.S. origin of their products correctly.

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0% Import duties on many goods from the United States

For many agricultural products and virtually all industrial goods of U.S. origin, the import duty rate is now 0%. For certain product categories, tariff rate quotas have also been introduced.

While this measure may stimulate trade between the European Union and the United States, it does not mean that all goods automatically qualify for preferential treatment. The goods’ origin remains a significant factor.

Proving U.S. Origin: what does Belgian Customs say?

The current arrangement is based on economic (non-preferential) rules of origin.

According to Belgian Customs, origin cannot be demonstrated using the traditional certificates of origin commonly used within European regulations for non-preferential origin. Furthermore, no administrative cooperation mechanism exists between the customs authorities of the European Union and those of the United States.

As a result, the declarant is solely responsible for correctly determining the U.S. origin of goods. Importers must therefore have sufficient information regarding the production process, processing operations, and manufacturing activities carried out on the goods concerned.

Why might the EU and the U.S. reach different origin Determinations?

An important consideration for importers is that the European Union and the United States do not necessarily apply the same rules of origin.

Under traditional trade agreements, trading partners usually negotiate common origin rules, allowing both sides to assess the origin of goods using the same criteria.

However, under the current arrangement, the parties expect to develop specific preferential rules of origin later. Until then, both the EU and the U.S. continue to apply their own economic (non-preferential) origin rules. Because these regulations are not fully aligned, the same product may be considered of U.S. origin in the United States. At the same time, European customs authorities may reach a different conclusion under EU rules.

Therefore, it is important to assess in advance how the origin of the goods is determined and which production activities are relevant to establishing origin.

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Questionnaire for U.S. suppliers recommended

Belgian Customs recommends collecting sufficient documentation to substantiate the origin of goods. One practical tool is a questionnaire that the U.S. supplier completes. Such a questionnaire may include information on:

The location of production.
The materials used.
The processing operations performed.
Any production or assembly activities carried out in other countries.

This information may help demonstrate the U.S. origin of goods.

Our advice for importers

Do you plan to benefit from reduced import duties on goods from the United States? If so, we recommend confirming the origin of your products in advance.

Specifically, we advise you to:

Work closely with your U.S. supplier.
Verify the basis on which the origin of the goods is determined.
Map out the production process and manufacturing operations performed.
Consult your industry association where necessary.
Seek supplementary clarification from the European Commission whenever doubts exist.

Proper preparation can help avoid customs disputes and potential post-clearance adjustments.

Frequently asked questions about Goods of U.S. Origin

How can I prove the U.S. origin of goods?Importers should have sufficient information regarding the production process and manufacturing operations performed. A supplier-completed questionnaire can serve as an important supporting document.
Do the new import duties apply to all goods from the United States?No. While a zero-duty rate applies to many agricultural products and virtually all industrial goods, certain products remain subject to tariff quotas or other conditions.
Do the EU and the U.S. apply the same rules of origin?No. Until specific preferential rules of origin are introduced, both the EU and the U.S. continue to apply their own economic (non-preferential) origin rules, which may lead to different origin determinations.
Why is origin determination so important?Only goods that meet the requirements for U.S. origin are eligible for the reduced import duties. An incorrect origin determination may result in additional duty assessments, penalties, or disputes with customs authorities.
More Information on Non-Preferential Rules of OriginWould you like to learn more about the European rules governing non-preferential origin? Consult:
- European Commission – Non-Preferential Rules of Origin
- List of Rules for Determining Non-Preferential Origin

Do you have questions about import duties, U.S. origin, rules of origin, or customs declarations? Our customs specialists are happy to assist you.

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