European Union - Publications

Statistical procedure or statistical regime
The statistical procedure makes it possible to classify imports and exports by various categories (extra-EU trade only).
SP 1 normal imports and exports: mainly goods exported definitively and released into free circulation, 
either directly or via a customs warehouse
 
SP 3 imports after/exports for outward processing.  Exports for outward processing and imports which have undergone outward processing.  Outward processing makes it possible to export goods temporarily for processing and to import the compensating products with a full or partial exemption from duties and levies.
SP 5  imports for inward processing and exports which have undergone inward processing, 
suspension system (1).
 
SP 6 imports for inward processing and exports which have undergone inward processing, 
drawback or repayment system (2).
 
SP 7 textiles: imports after/exports for outward processing.  Exports for outward processing and imports which have undergone outward processing. Outward processing makes it possible to export goods temporarily for processing and to import the compensating products with a full or partial exemption from duties and levies. The "textiles" variant, introduced in 1995, concerns only certain textile products or clothing.

SP 4
 
Total (DEFAULT for intra- and extra-EU trade) 
(1) Inward processing makes it possible to import goods temporarily so that they can be processed (assembly, transformation etc.) and the resulting products exported, while benefiting from an exemption of duties, levies and/or checks carried out under the trade policy normally applicable to imported goods. The "suspension" system covers non-Community goods, generally destined for re-export outside the Community's customs territory as compensating products, without the goods being subject to import duties or trade policy measures.
(2) Inward processing makes it possible to import goods temporarily so that they can be processed (assembly, transformation etc.) and the resulting products exported, while benefiting from an exemption of duties, levies and/or checks carried out under the trade policy normally applicable to imported goods.  The "drawback system"  - or repayment system - covers goods in free circulation, with a reimbursement of or rebate on import duties payable on the goods if they are exported outside the Community's customs territory as compensating products.
Note: Inward and outward processing procedures are independent of the nature of the transaction concerned (purchase/sale, processing under contract, etc.). In fact, part of the flow of goods for processing, in the economic sense of the term, is included under SP1 normal imports and exports.