Inward processing allows EU businesses to import non-EU goods for processing or repair with the aim to re-export said goods outside the European Union (EU).

Depending on the final country of destination of the goods, the businesses may choose:

• either inward processing - suspension system, if the goods are intended for re-export after processing.
  This scheme allows for the processing of the goods while the duty is suspended subject to a security which will be released at the time the processed goods are re-exported;
• or inward processing - drawback system, if the final destination of the goods is not determined at the time of import but their export is highly likely after their processing;
  This scheme enables the repayment of all import duties and taxes in the event the processed goods are subsequently re-exported.

Resorting to inward processing requires authorisation from the Customs Department at the Customs and Excise Agency.

Who is concerned

Any business in the EU who intends to carry out any processing, assembly, working or repair of non-EU goods within the European Union (EU) before re-exporting said goods may resort to inward processing.

How to proceed

Authorisation of inward processing

The operator must request a prior authorisation for inward processing (suspension or drawback system) in writing (on plain paper) from the Customs Department at the Customs and Excise Agency.

The administration will communicate the necessary information and documents required if need be.

When the authorisation is granted, the administration will issue the authorisation with predetermined deadlines and processing conditions that must be complied with.

The operator can then complete the import declaration by indicating the authorisation of inward processing identification number.

Inward processing - suspension system

In the case of inward processing - suspension system, the operator provides a surety which covers for the customs duties.

The goods can then be processed in compliance with the provisions and deadlines set by the authorisation.

In order to close the inward processing procedure, operators must re-export the goods outside the European Union. The customs will release the surety:

• either at the time the goods enter the transit system;
• or when the goods leave the European Union.

Inward processing - drawback system

The inward processing - drawback system entails that the operator pays all import duties at the time of import.

The goods can then be processed in compliance with the provisions and deadlines set by the authorisation.

In order to close the inward processing procedure, operators must re-export the goods outside the European Union. They will be reimbursed all customs duties paid when the goods were imported.

Forms / Online services

Who to contact