International Trade transactions often require that the exporter declares the origin of the products being supplied to an overseas buyer.
Whilst there are certain common factors found within the rules of origin as applied in different countries, in determining the origin of goods, each country has the right to apply its own rules.
In the European Community, the Rules of Origin are issued by the Council of Ministers in the form of a Regulation and are incorporated in various European Commission Articles and Regulations.
Exporters need to be aware of the origin rules relative to their products, as he will be bound to that origin declaration by the buyer.
It may also be a required that Certificates of Origin or similar documents are also attested or legalised by the embassy of the importing country, although this is not a general requirement, indeed it may be a requirement solely at the discretion of the buyer.
The correct application of Origin rules is of vital importance in international trade activities as there may be serious implications should incorrect origin be declared for goods.
In the United Kingdom., Certificates of Origin are issued by Chambers of Commerce and Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce through its International Trade Division provides this service, in addition it is through its relationships with overseas country embassies its able to provide a legalisation service if necessary.
Further Details
Please see the International Trade OnLine website for full details.
