A good understanding of origin matters is likely to help you reduce your import costs and steer clear of some of the most common customs errors that give rise to additional duties, penalties and irate customers.

Does it matter where my goods are from?

The simple answer to this question is YES! It is crucial to determine the "economic nationality" of imported goods for a number of reasons. The EU has entered into Trade Agreements with two hundred states around the world which may allow your imports to attract a greatly reduced rate of duty (or even nil duty in some circumstances). Occasionally, more than one agreement will apply to your goods and it is important that you make sure you are getting the most favourable rate.

In other circumstances, goods from certain may be liable to anti-dumping duty or import-licensing if they are determined to come from certain countries. These measures will either increase your costs significantly or prevent you from importing them.

How do I determine the origin of my goods?

To determine the "economic nationality" of your goods, the Rules of Origin apply.

It is important to note that there is no one unilateral set of rules employed in International Trade. Although the World Trade Organisation "Rules of Origin" provides the template, different states may and do use different rules. For example, if a product satisfies the framework of the USA General System of Preferences (GSP) rules, it cannot be taken for granted that it also fulfils the European Community's GSP rules of Origin and vice versa.