Customs value declaration (DV1)

Definition and principle

The customs value declaration (DV1) is an official form that the importer must complete and attach to the import customs declaration. It details all the constituent elements of customs value: price paid or payable, adjustments, transaction conditions, and the relationship between buyer and seller.

Legal framework

The DV1 is provided for by article 6, paragraph 2 of Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/2447 and by Annex 8 of that regulation which defines its format. It is mandatory for any import whose value exceeds EUR 20,000, except where customs authorities waive this obligation (regular imports from the same supplier with constant conditions). The DV1 engages the legal responsibility of the declarant as to the accuracy of the information.

Detailed content

• Parties to the transaction: identification of buyer and seller
• Conditions of sale: existence of restrictions, conditions, or considerations
• Relationship between parties: capital, family, or commercial links between buyer and seller
• Invoiced price and delivery conditions (Incoterm)
• Elements to add: transport, insurance, assists, royalties, proceeds of resale
• Elements to deduct: post-import costs, buying commissions
• Valuation method used

Practical advice

• Complete the DV1 with the utmost rigour: any inaccuracy may result in a value reassessment with duty recovery, penalties, and late interest
• Retain supporting documents (invoice, sales contract, licence agreements, transport invoices) for at least 3 years (limitation period for post-clearance audits)
• In intra-group transactions, precisely document the transfer pricing policy and its impact on customs value