Goods exported from the customs territory of the Community can be accepted as returned goods if their re-import was already intended at the time of export, or where re-import was not intended but takes place owing to particular circumstances. If these conditions for the acceptance as returned goods are met, the goods can be released for free circulation under relief from import duty.

The goods in question must originally have been Community goods which became the subject of an actual export - an export that indeed occurred - from the common customs territory, and their re-import must, in principle, take place within a period of three years. Also, the goods must be put into free circulation so that they regain their original customs status.