NAFTA: Understanding the Rules of Origin and Certificate of Origin Requirement

Overview:

Are you obtaining the lowest possible duty rate on your trade in goods with Canada, Mexico, and US? The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) reduces or eliminates duties on eligible goods traded among these North American markets. To determine eligibility for favourable treatment under the Agreement, and to preclude third countries from obtaining benefits by merely passing goods through North America, the NAFTA rules of origin were negotiated. 

NAFTA adopted the same basic origin rule as has governed the 1988 US-Canada FTA: goods generally must undergo sufficient processing within North America to result in a change in tariff classification. In addition, NAFTA training provides for a uniform certificate of origin to be prepared by the exporter and possessed by the importer when the goods are entered into the importing country. This certifies that a good being exported from one Party into the territory, of another Party qualifies as an "originating good." These rules of origin and certificate of origin rules are complicated, complex, and not well understood by import-exporters.

Why Should You Attend:

This webinar will assist import-exporters in understanding the NAFTA rules of origin and the Certificate of Origin requirement. Understanding these rules and how they apply will allow you to take advantage of NAFTA information to reduce your costs. How import-exporters classify their potential NAFTA products has enormous implications for their overall costs of doing business and profit margin.

Areas Covered in this Webinar:

Participants will learn how to properly complete the NAFTA rules and regulations, in order to receive duty free treatment, prevent errors that can result in severe civil/criminal penalties by each countries Customs administration, and preparing for a NAFTA audit.

Understanding NAFTA opportunities and challenges is an essential element of business strategy not just for US, Mexican, Canadian companies but also Asian and EU firms competing for position in the NA space.

Learning Objectives:

• Fundamentals of NAFTA
• How do you take advantage of NAFTA to obtain duty free treatment for your NA trade?
• What is the intent of the NAFTA rules of origin?
• What is the applicable rule of origin in NAFTA?
• How do you obtain the certificate of origin?
• Recordkeeping requirements
• Questionnaires, verifications, audits
• Penalties

Who Will Benefit:

• Those who currently trade in NA
• Those considering trading within NA
• Compliance Departments
• Import-Export Departments
• Trade Consultants
• Chamber of Commerce
• Business Development Centers
• Foreign Trade Agencies

Speaker Profile:

For more than 20 years, Douglas Cohen has been at the forefront of international trade and transactions. With positions in private law practice, the US Department of Commerce, the European Union, IATA, and American Airlines, Mr. Cohen has developed significant expertise in import export compliance, international negotiations, intellectual property, and Internet laws. At present, he is Senior Manager for Global Trade & Contracts at Worldwide Trade & Legal Associates, where he provides legal and strategic advice to organizations seeking to enter or expand foreign markets.

Others Details

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