Rules of origin determine the country or trade-agreement origin assigned to goods based on where and how they were produced. They are used for tariff preferences and other customs or trade-policy measures.
Which types of origin rules exist?
Preferential rules apply under trade agreements or preference programs. Non-preferential rules support measures such as origin marking, quotas, statistics and trade remedies.
How can goods qualify?
- Wholly obtained in one country
- Required change in tariff classification
- Minimum regional value content
- Specified manufacturing process
- Combination of product-specific criteria
Why is the shipping country insufficient?
Goods can be exported from a country without originating there. Storage, packaging or minor processing may not satisfy the applicable rule.
What evidence supports origin?
Maintain tariff classifications, bill of materials, supplier declarations, production records, cost data and certificates or declarations. Evidence must connect the finished product to qualifying inputs and processes.
Who should confirm the rule?
The importer is commonly responsible for the customs claim, with exporters and producers supplying evidence. Review the exact destination-country rule and agreement version before shipment.
