The export of agricultural products to third countries: Export refunds

Under the Common Agricultural Policy the European Union sets minimum price levels for certain farm products in order to encourage farmers to continue food production. These minimum price levels in many cases are higher than the world price level for the same products. When farmed products have to be exported to third countries (=outside the EU), it is necessary to bridge the price between the EU price level and the world market price level. This bridging is done by paying exporters export refunds. Export refunds vary in time, by product sector and by the products made thereof.

Export refunds may differ per country of destination (differentiated refunds). In order to get differentiated refunds paid, it is necessary that the exporter proves in which third country the products were imported. Such proof is given by copies of duly stamped customs import documents of the third country concerned.

Customs Documents and Stamps in 50 third countries