What is a REX number? Everything importers and exporters need to know

Paperwork is an essential but time-consuming part of international trade. While vital, any effort to reduce or eliminate it is welcome.

That’s why the Registered Exporter (REX) system is useful. Letting exporters self-certify the origin of their goods using a unique REX number means less bureaucracy, fewer delays and quicker customs clearance.

In this article, you’ll learn what a REX number is, what it looks like, why they’re so beneficial and how to apply for one. If you’re a UK exporter, we’ll discuss when to use an EORI number instead.

What is a REX number?

A REX number, or registered export number, is a unique identifier that EU customs officials issue to exporters.

It’s a key part of the REX system, a framework for international trade based on the principle of self-certification. It allows registered businesses to issue statements on the origin of their goods themselves through commercial documents, rather than obtaining a traditional certificate of origin from government authorities.

The EU introduced the system to modernise and streamline trading. Compared to the old system, where importers and exporters had to obtain a certificate of origin, REX saves time and money. More on that later.

Since 2020, the REX system applies to the EU Generalised System of Preferences (GSP) — a trade scheme providing preferential, lower-tariff access to the EU market for products from developing countries — as well as similar schemes in Norway, Switzerland and Turkey, and EU preferential agreements with countries like Canada, Japan, the UK and New Zealand.

REX registration isn’t always necessary, though. Shipments with a value of less than €6,000 can make statements of origin without REX registration. Shipments exceeding €6,000 must have a valid REX registration to make an origin statement.

What does a REX number look like?

The REX number is a 35-character alphanumeric identifier that follows a specific format. It starts with a two-letter country code in capitals, followed by “REX” and then up to 30 additional characters.

If you’re an Irish exporter, your REX number may look like this: IEREX12344678910.

What are the benefits of REX numbers?

REX numbers offer several advantages for exporters, including the following:

• Less paperwork. Registered exporters can issue origin statements themselves without the cost or administrative effort of obtaining paper documents.

• Preferential tariff rates. Goods with valid REX numbers qualify for reduced or zero customs duties under the EU’s GSP and other free trade agreements.

• Faster customs clearance. A REX number means customs officials have to perform fewer checks and inspections, which accelerates clearance times.

Ultimately, REX numbers contribute to a smoother, faster and paper-free customs clearance process that benefits everyone involved.

What are the requirements to obtain a REX number?

Customs authorities outline specific eligibility requirements for REX numbers. Applicants must:

• Be economic operators. An economic operator is a person or business engaged in activities covered by customs legislation

• Be based in a country that participates in the REX system. This includes EU member states, GSP beneficiary countries and other territories covered by preferential trade agreements.

• Present comprehensive business documents. This includes your name, registered address, tax identification numbers and details of trading activities.

• Offer detailed descriptions of goods intended for import and export, including HS codes.

What does the REX registration process look like?

Applying for a REX number is a reasonably straightforward process that you can complete online. Here’s what the process looks like:

• Confirm your eligibility. You must be an economic operator established in an EU member state, GSP beneficiary country or territory covered by an EU preferential agreement, and hold an EORI number.

• Submit an application. The European Commission provides a centralised system for many countries, though some nations maintain their own systems.

• Complete the application form. You’ll need to provide information about your company, trade activities and products.

• Attach supporting documents. In many cases, you’ll need to include documents like tax and business certificates.

• Wait for the application to be processed. Processing times vary by country, but authorities generally aim to complete registrations within 30 days of receiving complete applications.

• Receive your REX number. If approved, you’ll receive your unique REX number and registration document.

Once you’ve received your REX number, you can include it and a statement of origin on invoices and commercial documents for each consignment.

Just make sure you retain copies of all origin statements and supporting evidence, like supplier declarations and production records, for three years.

Is a REX number different from an EORI number?

Customs officials issue both REX and EORI numbers, but they serve different purposes.

• EORI (Economic Operators Registration and Identification) numbers identify economic operators for all customs processes within the UK and EU. They are mandatory for REX registration and general customs clearance.

• REX numbers specifically authorise exports to cel-certify their origin under specific free-trade agreements.

In the UK, EORI numbers have superseded REX numbers in many cases. Exporters should now use their EORI numbers when trading into the EU. Northern Irish businesses, on the other hand, continue to use REX numbers alongside EORI numbers.

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