Not all FTA certificates/declarations require the use of specific character codes for preferential criteria. For example, don`t write preference criterion B on a Korean free trade agreement just because it was the letter criterion used to send NAFTA. By asserting a preferential duty of AUFTA, the importer confirms that the goods are eligible for the AUFTA preference and assumes responsibility for the veracity and accuracy of the claim. The importer is also responsible for making the Certificate of Origin and supporting documents available to CBP upon request. Until the USMCA becomes official, the existing rules and procedures that govern the application of NAFTA remain in effect. This means that the NAFTA Certificate of Origin is still the document you should use if your goods are qualified under the terms of the agreement. FTA Certificate/Declarations are optional. They can continue to ship products to ASA partner countries without qualifying for the FTA preference. However, if the importer plans to benefit from the ESTV preference, you must provide the information to the buyer in the form of a CO or a declaration. Although there is no official certificate or format of origin required by the U.S.-Australia Free Trade Agreement, CBP recommends using the template for the certificate of origin.

A free-form certification can also be performed with all data elements at 19 CFR 10.724. Now it`s time to get ready for the USMCA. While some parts of NAFTA resemble NAFTA, other areas have evolved more sharply. In the blog post NAFTA vs. USMCAT: The North American Free Trade Agreement and the U.S. Mexico-Canada Agreement, you will find a summary of the difference between the two agreements. The importer or buyer will make the FTA preference claim if he bases the customs duty for the import settlement, but on the basis of the information provided by the exporter in the certificate or declaration. The importer may need these documents to prove the application to the local customs authority. The use of the FTA preference allows qualified U.S.

products to be more competitive through reduced or exempt duties (tariffs), although local taxes continue to apply. FTA certificates and certifications are optional and are not required for customs clearance shipments. However, goods shipped without a single one can be considered a standard tariff. So be sure to attach an FTA certificate of origin. While the form/format is optional, the information is required to allow the importer to apply for preferential tariff treatment. Always communicate with your buyer and shipper/carrier on the required documentation. Detailed requirements for the certification of free trade agreements for claims for preferential tariff treatment under the free trade agreement are generally set out in the Chapter on Rules of Origin (ROO). There are three ways to find the specific ROO chapter for a specific FTA partner, read the section Where to find your rules of origin in the article FTA rules of origin….