Article 23
Validity of a proof of origin 1. A proof of origin shall be valid for four months from the date of issue in the exporting country, and must be submitted within that period to the customs authorities of the importing country. 2. Proofs of origin which are submitted to the customs authorities of the importing country after the final date for presentation specified in paragraph 1 may be accepted for the purpose of applying preferential treatment, where the failure to submit these documents by the final date set is due to exceptional circumstances. In other cases of belated presentation, the customs authorities of the importing country may accept the proofs of origin where the products have been submitted before the said final date.