The UK government has launched a public call for evidence on accession to the Pan‑Euro Mediterranean Convention on Rules of Origin (PEM). 

Under PEM, member countries (covering Europe, parts of North Africa and the Mediterranean region) adopt a harmonised set of Rules of Origin (RoO), which determine the “economic nationality” of a product. This is where a product is deemed to have been made, based on inputs and manufacturing origin. 

The stated aim of the call for evidence is to gather input from businesses across all sectors, including those engaged in the trade of goods, on opportunities and risks associated with UK accession to PEM.

What could be beneficial for giftware importers/exporters

Simplified origin rules & supply-chain flexibility: For businesses sourcing materials or components from across multiple countries (for example, combining ceramic components from one country, textiles from another), PEM’s harmonised RoO and cumulation rules could make it easier to qualify for preferential tariffs when exporting because inputs from member countries can be cumulated when determining origin. 

Potential tariff advantages: For giftware exporters or importers trading with PEM countries (or exporting UK-made giftware to those markets), meeting the PEM origin requirements may help secure preferential tariff treatment, reducing duty costs and customs friction.

Streamlined paperwork: By aligning origin procedures across a wide network of FTA partners, PEM could reduce the complexity of navigating different origin rules under separate free trade agreements, which may otherwise be burdensome for small to medium enterprises typical in giftware retail and wholesale. 

What businesses should be aware of

Not all products will benefit equally: Because origin requirements under PEM vary by product type, some giftware items may find it harder  to meet the revised rules, depending on materials used and supply chain structure. 

Administrative burden could increase in some cases: For some trade flows, especially involving the EU under the current UK–EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA), origin procedures (e.g. self-certification) are more facilitative than under the revised PEM rules. That means some businesses might face more paperwork or stricter verification under PEM than under current arrangements. 

How to respond
The consultation is open to all businesses trading goods with PEM member countries, regardless of size or sector, and invites detailed feedback on supply-chain experience, origin-rules compliance, administrative burden, and tariff impact. 

Businesses including giftware importers, exporters and wholesalers are encouraged to review the full call for evidence documents and submit responses by 11:59 pm on 15 December 2025. 

For further reading and to submit evidence, see UK government’s official page.