Navigating the complexities of Rules of Origin (ROO) can be a challenge for many businesses, particularly SMEs.
ROO determine the economic nationality of goods. They're used to judge how much of that product originated from a specific nation, and how much value was added to it during the manufacturing process.
The country of origin of a product can dictate how much duty is paid on it, and sometimes whether it can be exported to a particular country at all. By using ROO to accurately detail your product's origins, you could enable your importer to pay a lower tariff. For this to happen, you’ll need to demonstrate to the customs authority that you’ve met certain ROO requirements, as laid out in trade agreements.
Where to start?
If you're unsure how ROO applies to your products, speaking with a Department for Business and Trade International Trade Advisor (ITA) is a good first step. They can offer tailored guidance to help you understand the requirements and how they relate to your specific products.
- If you already have a local ITA, get in touch with them directly.
- If not, you can contact DBT via their Export Support Service.
Understand how to determine the country of origin of your goods
The country of origin of a product is usually the country where it was manufactured, produced or grown. Understanding the country of origin of your goods can reduce the amount of duty importers need to pay.
Complete the necessary certificates of origin
The paperwork you need to prove the origin of your goods depends on the country you’re exporting to, and whether the UK has a trade agreement in place with that country.
Apply for a Binding Origin decision
A binding or advance origin ruling is a legally binding document that certifies the economic origin of the goods you’re exporting. It gives you protection against any UK customs authority challenging the country of origin of your product.
While these resources can provide valuable support, it is ultimately the company’s responsibility to ensure ROO compliance. Failing to get it right can lead to costly errors, including unexpected tariffs or even fines. You can find detailed guidance on the UK Government's official sites listed above.
At Made in Britain, we understand how challenging these regulations can be. If you have any additional questions on understanding the Rules of Origin, or to learn more about Made in Britain’s upcoming international trade activity, please email trade@madeinbritain.com.
By Made in Britain 2 days ago | By Made in Britain