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Claiming preferential tariff treatment under the CPTPP 

The Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) offers new opportunities for Canadians to do business with the Asia-Pacific region by eliminating tariffs and providing preferential access to markets like Japan and Vietnam. In order to take advantage of the preferential tariff treatment afforded under the CPTPP, an importer will need to have a certification of origin that certifies the good meets the rules of origin.

Unlike some of Canada’s previous trade agreements, the CPTPP does not have a prescribed format for a certification of origin. A certification of origin for the CPTPP can be provided on an invoice or any other document (in either hard copy or electronic format), but it must contain a set of minimum data requirements set out in Annex 3-B of Chapter 3 of the Agreement.

This certification can be completed by either the exporter, the producer or the importer, and does not require third-party certification by the Government of Canada. A certification of origin is valid for one year after the date it is issued, or for such longer period as specified by the laws and regulations of the importing CPTPP party.

Minimum Data Requirements

A certification of origin under the CPTPP must contain the following elements:

1. Importer, Exporter, or Producer Certification of Origin

Indicate whether the certifier is the exporter, producer or importer in accordance with Article 3.20 (Claims for Preferential Treatment).

2. Certifier

Provide the certifier’s name, address (including country), telephone number and email address.

3. Exporter

Provide the exporter’s name, address (including country), email address and telephone number if different from the certifier. This information is not required if the producer is completing the certification of origin and does not know the identity of the exporter. The address of the exporter shall be the place of export of the good in a CPTPP country.

4. Producer

Provide the producer’s name, address (including country), e-mail address and telephone number, if different from the certifier or export or, if there are multiple producers, state “Various” or provide a list of producers. A person that wishes for this information to remain confidential may state “Available upon request by the importing authorities.” The address of a producer shall be the place of production of the good in a CPTPP country.

5. Importer

Provide, if known, the importer’s name, address, email address and telephone number. The address of the importer shall be in a CPTPP country.

6. Description and HS Tariff Classification of the Good

  1. Provide a description of the good and the HS tariff classification of the good to the 6-digit level. The description should be sufficient to relate it to the good covered by the certification; and
  2. If the certification of origin covers a single shipment of a good, indicate, if known, the invoice number related to the exportation.

7. Origin Criterion

Specify the rule of origin under which the good qualifies.

8. Blanket Period

Include the period if the certification covers multiple shipments of identical goods for a specified period of up to 12 months as set out in Article 3.20.4 (Claims for Preferential Treatment).

9. Authorised Signature and Date

The certification must be signed and dated by the certifier and accompanied by the following statement:

I certify that the goods described in this document qualify as originating and the information contained in this document is true and accurate. I assume responsibility for proving such representations and agree to maintain and present upon request, or to make available during a verification visit, documentation necessary to support this certification.

Frequently asked questions

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