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End User Certificates

Guidelines to Industry Relating to the Process of the Authentication of Foreign End User Certificates (EUC's) for Goods Exported from South Africa to Foreign Countries

Introduction

An End-User Certificate (EUC) is a written undertaking by an importer or buyer of controlled items e.g. arms, ammunition or military equipment in a foreign country that any item purchased from South Africa and exported by South Africa to that foreign country, is for its sole use. The importer also has to certify that the item is not destined for transfer or re-export to any other party or State in its original form, without the prior written consent of South Africa.

‘Authentication’ of a EUC is the verification of the signature, title and designation of the signatory and, where appropriate, the identity and seal it bears. The process is commonly referred to as ‘legalisation’.

It is at all times the responsibility of the seller in South Africa to obtain the EUC from the buyer in the foreign country. Such a EUC must be a verified and legalised document.

What are the Requirements for Authenticating an EUC?

The EUC must be an original document. (No copies of EUC's will be accepted nor used for processing export applications.)
The EUC must correlate with the subsequent order for the item covering the specific transaction including any annexures to the order for the item. It must at all times bear witness of:
- the issuing authority;
- the place and date of issue;
- a reference number; and
- the signature and name, as well as the title and position of such signatory, and
- must include an official Government stamp or seal.

In the EUC, the foreign buyer or importer has to declare that any item purchased will not be transferred or resold without the prior consent of the relevant South African Authority and will not be used for the development or use of any item of mass destruction.

For more details and information on Guidelines to Industry Relating to the Process of the Authentication of Foreign End User Certificates (EUC's) for Goods Exported from South Africa to Foreign Countries please click here: