Binding Origin Information (BOI)

Definition and principle

Binding Origin Information (BOI) is a formal decision issued by the customs authorities of an EU Member State that bindingly determines the non-preferential origin of a specific good. It provides legal certainty to economic operators by guaranteeing uniform treatment of their goods.

Legal framework

BOI is governed by articles 33 to 37 of the UCC (Regulation EU 952/2013) and articles 19 to 22 of Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/2447. BOI is valid for 3 years from its effective date. It binds customs authorities of all EU Member States vis-a-vis the holder for the goods concerned. BOIs are published in the European Commission's EBTI (European Binding Tariff Information) database.

Application procedure

• The application is submitted to the customs authorities of the Member State where the applicant is established or where the information will be used
• It must precisely describe the goods, their components, the manufacturing process, and the countries involved
• The authorities have 120 days to issue their decision (extendable to 150 days)
• The BOI may be annulled or amended if circumstances change or in case of error

Practical importance

• Essential for products subject to trade defence measures (anti-dumping duties) where origin determines the application of measures
• Useful for origin marking ("Made in") to avoid challenges
• BOI only covers non-preferential origin — for preferential origin, there is no equivalent instrument at EU level