CPTPP Origin FAQs

1. You will need the correct HS Code subheading (1st 6 digits of the HS Code, New Zealand statistical export code)
2. Not all countries will offer the same preference (reduced duty rate) to every country in CPTPP
3. Click here to look upon the official tariff finder website to check whether there is a duty preference under CPTPP for your goods. When New Zealand has more than one trade agreement with the country goods are being exported to, you will also be able to use this tool to compare which agreement offers the best duty preference. It would be advisable to cross-reference this with the actual CPTPP Tariff schedules (2-D annexes)

Click here to read Chapter 3 Section A Rules of Origin.

Wholly obtained goods are only those which meet the criteria under Article 3.3. All processed and manufactured goods will be required to satisfy the Product Specific Rules of Origin as specified in Annex 3-D, click here to read more.

Click here to read about the separate schedule for motor vehicle-related goods.

Click here to read the separate schedule for Textile and textile goods – Annex 4

Where possible it is recommended that manufactured goods meet the Change of Tariff classification rules.

Having determined which origin criterion a good would qualify under, the exporter is required to keep records supporting the option selected and present these in the event of a post-entry audit. Details of this obligation is set out in Chapter 3, Section B, Article 3.26 (Page 3-19, 20). See the verification question below for further information.

Yes. Goods need to be consigned directly from New Zealand to the importing party. Goods may be transhipped via ports in other countries en-route. Note: there is no mention of Certificates of Non-Manipulation (CNM), however, the importing party may elect to require one and CNM are not issued retrospectively, so determine prior to shipment whether the importing party will seek a CNM.

For details of the limitations and provisions refer to Chapter 3, Section A, Article 3.18. (Page 3-15)

1. Yes, the exporter will need to provide a declaration to the importer referred to under CPTPP as a ‘certification of origin’ for preference under CPTPP to be applied.
2. No, there is no prescribed template or ‘form’ for making the ‘certification of origin’ declaration. In fact CPTPP expressly states there should be no set ‘form’ or ‘template’. Reference Chapter 3, Section B, Article 3.20, Paragraph 3.a (Page 3-16)However, there is a template now available which includes the set requirement for information and the declaration text and is commonly used by New Zealand exporters, CPTTP Certificate of Origin Template.
3. No, there is no requirement for the Chamber of Commerce to certify a CPTPP certification of origin. The CPTPP certification of origin made by an exporter is their responsibility. It is recommended that exporters fully understand the potential consequences of making a false statement, even if unwittingly. These are set out in Chapter 3, Section B, Articles 3.24 – 3.31 (Pages 3-18 to 3-25)
4. However, if an importer requested the Chamber of Commerce to stamp an exporter’s certification of origin, the Chamber may do so. The Chamber would require the statement to first be signed by the exporter, to be on the exporter’s letterhead and may require supporting documents to confirm that the goods meet the claimed origin criterion.

There are two options for a CPTPP certification of origin;

1. A consignment based document – one required for each consignment.
Benefits:
– Keep track of documents and the related records to support the origin claim together with the other consignment related files.
– Ideal for one-off sales, irregular exports to a consignee, new importer, sales involving a 3rd party, exports of different goods to the same consignee

2. A blanket document covering multiple shipments for a period of up to 12 months. Best suit:
– Regular shipments of exactly the same goods, with the same origin criterion to the same importer.

The minimum information required is outlined in Chapter 3, Annex 3-B (Pages 3-28, 29) • Consignment based Certification of Origin:

Option A: Add the required information to the exporter’s commercial invoice (only when the exporter’s commercial invoice will be presented by the importer at time of import). The CPTPP Certification of origin declaration and required information would need to be added to the Commercial Invoice

Option B: Use this CPTTP Certificate of Origin Template Remember the Commercial invoice number is required to be stated when consignment based.
• Blanket Period: The exporter would specify the blanket period which may be up to 12 months and provide all the information as set out in Chapter 3, Annex 3-B (Pages 3-28, 29) in their own ‘template’.

Note:
1. The declaration text required on any of the above options is set out in Chapter 3, Annex 3-B Paragraph 9 (Page 3-29).
2. The certifier’s (person signing the declaration statement) name, address (including country), telephone number and email address is required on the ‘certification of origin’ document. Reference: Chapter 3, Annex 3-B Paragraph 2 (Page 3-28).
3. The Certification of Origin needs to be dated as it is only valid for 12 months from the date of issue. Reference: Chapter 3, Section B, Article 3.30, Paragraph 5 (Page 3-17).
4. Any missing information may result in preference being declined. It will be important to have a ‘set format’ so that it is clear that all required information has been provided.

How to identify the applicable origin criterion is not specified in the CPTPP. At this time there are no agreed and notified origin codes. In their absence, it is recommended to specify the applicable article. For example:

• Wholly obtained or produced exclusively from originating materials (as specified in Article 3.3):
– WO for New Zealand origin: Article 3.2 (a)
• Produced entirely in the territory of one or more parties exclusively from originating materials (as specified in Article 3.3):
– PE for New Zealand origin: Article 3.2(b)
• Manufactured goods meeting Product Specific Rule as outlined in Annex 3-D:
– PSR for New Zealand origin: Article 3.2 (c) Reference: Chapter 3, Section A, Article 3.2 (Page 3-2).

Yes. It is recommended that an electronic format of the certification of origin statement is presented in colour and that signatures are done in blue in preference to black ink and signature images are clear. Reference: Chapter 3, Section B, Article 3.20 Paragraph 3.b (Page 3-16).

CPTPP does not have any specified requirements for third-party transactions, although the text infers provision for 3rd party transactions. The certification of origin is required to be a separate document to the commercial invoice when the commercial invoice issued for the importation of the goods is from a company in a country which is not a CPTPP party. Reference: Chapter 3, Section B, Article 3.28, Paragraph 4 (Page 3-24)

Note: It is recommended that the certification of origin be a separate document for any 3rd party transactions and the 3rd party will need to disclose their commercial invoice number so this can be noted on the exporter’s certification of origin. Remember: the goods are required to meet the direct shipment requirements outlined in Chapter 3, Section A, Article 3.18. (Page 3-15)

CPTPP does not have any specified requirements for third-party transactions, although the text infers provision for 3rd party transactions. The certification of origin is required to be a separate document to the commercial invoice when the commercial invoice issued for the importation of the goods is from a company in a country which is not a CPTPP party. Reference: Chapter 3, Section B, Article 3.28, Paragraph 4 (Page 3-24)

Note: It is recommended that the certification of origin be a separate document for any 3rd party transactions and the 3rd party will need to disclose their commercial invoice number so this can be noted on the exporter’s certification of origin. Remember: the goods are required to meet the direct shipment requirements outlined in Chapter 3, Section A, Article 3.18. (Page 3-15)

There are no requirements relating to dating of a certification of origin in relation to shipment date, however the importer will need to have the certification of origin in their possession when they make their import declaration in order to claim preferential tariffs under CPTPP and the certification of origin is required to be dated. Reference: Chapter 3, Section B, Article 3.24, Paragraph 1(b) (Page 3-18)

CPTPP importing Customs Authorities have powers to seek verification of any claim that goods meet the nominated origin criterion, through to visiting the producer’s premises. It is expected that those CPTPP countries with higher base duty rates will place claims for preference under greater levels of scrutiny. Reference: Chapter 3, Section B, Articles 3.27 – 3.31 (Pages 3-20 to 3-25) Satisfying written verification requests without the intermediary of a third party independent certifier, a role the Chamber of Commerce fulfils for Certificates of Origin it issues, will take care. Exporters will need to provide sufficient information to satisfy the concern of the importing authorities that the goods meet the rule, without divulging commercially sensitive details. Exporters with concerns or requiring assistance may still contact their Chamber of Commerce and may be referred to NZ Customs for support.

The certification of origin documents will have no unified numbering system, so there will be no transparent ‘cancel and replace’ system. When providing a ‘replacement’ certification of origin, noting on the replacement that the current document ‘cancels and replaces the certification of origin issued on xyz date reference commercial invoice #’ would make it clear to the import authorities that there is only one valid document for the consignment. Ensuring the original erroneous declaration is returned to the exporter, would minimise the risk of an exporter’s certification of origin being misused for other shipments.

Yes. The exporter in New Zealand would provide a ‘certification of origin’ stating the origin of the goods (CPTPP country of manufacture) and the relevant origin criterion. Example: goods manufactured in Malaysia. Origin Criterion: Malaysia Origin: Article 3.2(c) The exporter is required to hold commercial records to substantiate their declaration. It is recommended that the exporter hold a CPTPP certification of origin from the supplier in the CPTPP country of manufacture and that they are confident that the origin criterion is accurate and goods do meet the product-specific rules for the relevant HS Code at the place of manufacture. Reference: Chapter 3, Section B, Article 3.21 Paragraph 2 (Page 3-17) and Chapter 3, Annex 3-B Paragraph 4 (Page 3-28).

When a New Zealand exporter provides a ‘certification of origin’ it is their responsibility to ensure their goods meet the requirements of the origin criterion they have opted to select. The lack of ‘red tape’ associated with claiming origin for preferential duty rates under CPTPP looks attractive at first glance. Exporters will require detailed procedures to ensure compliance and minimise commercial and legal risks. For example through missing required information, inadvertently misrepresenting the origin of the goods or an importer using the declaration for goods other than the New Zealand exporter’s consignment, which have an increased likelihood of resulting in preference being declined, making full duty payable by the importer, or verification processes being initiated which delay clearance unless, again, full duties are paid and possibly of penalties being imposed. It is recommended that exporters read and fully understand Chapter 3 and Annex 3-B prior to completing a ‘certification of origin’. Particularly the paragraphs related to obligations, verification provisions and penalties (also refer to the NZ Customs Act 2018 in respect of these matters for all export documentation).