Understanding the EU–Mercosur Agreement: a practical guide for businesses

The EU–Mercosur Agreement opens new opportunities for businesses trading between the EU and South America. However, benefiting from preferential tariffs requires more than simply knowing that an agreement exists. Companies must understand how the rules of origin work, how preferential origin should be proven, and how tariff reductions are calculated in practice. This article provides a practical overview of the key customs aspects of the agreement, including rules of origin, supplier’s declarations, proof of origin requirements and tariff elimination schedules. It also highlights common compliance challenges and offers practical recommendations to help businesses prepare for the new trading environment.