Proposal for a Decision on the position to be taken in the Committee on Rules of Origin set up by the Agreement on Rules of Origin (WTO-GATT 1994)

Summary:

Proposal presented on 20 September 2019 by the European Commission establishing the position to be taken on behalf of the Union regarding the envisaged adoption of a communication on enhancing transparency in non-preferential rules of origin.

Further information:

The Agreement on Rules of Origin (WTO-GATT 1994), annexed to the final act signed in Marrakech on 15 April 1994, aims to ensure that non-preferential rules of origin do not themselves create unnecessary obstacles to trade and aims to harmonise at international level rules of origin, other than rules of origin relating to the granting of tariff preferences. The Agreement entered into force on 1 January 1995.

The Committee on Rules of Origin was established to review the implementation and operation of the Agreement. The work of the Committee focused primarily on the harmonisation of non-preferential rules of origin. The negotiations have not concluded and WTO members currently apply national rules of origin for non-preferential purposes.

During its next annual meeting, the Committee is to adopt a communication aiming to enhance transparency of laws, regulations and practices regarding non-preferential rules of origin and to complement the notification obligations of Article 5 of the Agreement.