GSP+: zero EU duty for many items from Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan, with confirmed origin

Three conditions decide your duty

1. The goods must meet the EU GSP rules of origin

Food grown there and goods made there from local materials usually qualify. Simple assembly, repacking, sorting, grinding or blending in Kyrgyzstan or Uzbekistan does not confer origin. For garments, sewing from imported fabric is not enough.

2. Origin must be confirmed with a statement on origin (REX)

The exporter makes out a statement on origin on the invoice or any other commercial document. If the originating goods in a consignment are worth more than EUR 6,000, the exporter must be registered in the REX system and state its REX number (Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/2447, Art. 92 and Annex 22-07).

You can check the exporter's REX number in the European Commission's public database: REX number validation

3. The rate is checked per shipment in TARIC

Some lines are not covered: sultanas in packs over 2 kg, for example. Some keep a specific duty, as several juice lines do. We look up the TARIC rate for your HS code and origin before dispatch and send it to you in writing.

That is information, not a customs ruling. For legal certainty, the importer can apply to its customs authority for Binding Tariff Information (BTI) or Binding Origin Information (BOI).

Which Central Asian countries have GSP+

That is why we source only in Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan.

The origin trap, and how we avoid it

A trader offers "Kyrgyz" goods that were made elsewhere and only repacked in Bishkek. The invoice looks fine.

Customs can check origin after release. If origin fails, you owe the full duty as importer.

Before we make an offer:

• we check where the goods, or for textiles the yarn and fabric, are actually produced;
• we confirm the exporter can make out a valid statement on origin (REX);
• we look up the TARIC rate for your HS code.

What GSP+ does not change

• Import VAT is still due. You pay it as importer, under your national rules.
• Product rules still apply. Food safety, plant health, veterinary rules and CE marking apply as for any import.
• Border controls still apply. Honey, for example, is checked at the EU border control post of first entry.
• You clear the goods into free circulation at destination.

FAQ

Is every product from Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan duty-free in the EU?

No. GSP+ covers many items, not all, and only with confirmed origin. Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan and Tajikistan do not have GSP+.

How long will GSP+ apply?

New EU GSP rules are set to apply from 1 January 2027. Current GSP+ beneficiaries, including Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan, keep their preferences until the end of 2028 and must reapply to keep them after that.

Who needs to be registered in REX, us or you?

The exporter in Kyrgyzstan or Uzbekistan. As a buyer, you do not register in REX.

How do I know the rate for my product?

Search your HS code and the country of origin in TARIC, the EU's tariff database. We run the same check before dispatch. A binding answer comes only from customs, through BTI or BOI.

Does GSP+ cover textiles and cotton yarn?

Many textile lines are covered. Cotton yarn must be spun in KG or UZ.

For garments, the fabric must as a rule be knitted or woven there too. We check this before we offer.

Does GSP+ apply if I import into the United Kingdom, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein?

No. EU GSP+ applies to imports into the EU only.