Thailand-Australian Free Trade Agreement (TAFTA) Certificates of Origin
Chamber of Commerce & Industry Queensland is a recognised body authorised to register and issue Thailand Australia Free Trade Agreement specific Certificates of Origin to exporters.
The Thailand-Australia Free Trade Agreement is a major market opening agreement, which will result in Thai tariffs on virtually all goods imported from Australia being eliminated by 1 January 2010. It will also substantially improve the environment for bilateral services trade and investment.
Australian business is urged to take a close look at the new opportunities created by the Thailand-Australia Free Trade Agreement. The imminent reduction of Thailand's high tariff barriers (for some tariffs up to 200 per cent) means that exports may now become viable for a range of products.
TAFTA provides that goods only attract a tariff preference if a Certificate of Origin, which confirms that they meet the rules of origin as per the agreement, accompanies them. A separate, valid Certificate of Origin is required for each shipment of goods attracting a preference. Australian exporters must be registered in respect of their goods to be exported under TAFTA before it can obtain a Certificate of Origin for shipment of goods. Australian Exporters must forward a copy of each Certificate to their Thai customer.
To obtain a TAFTA Certificate of Origin, the following steps are to be taken:
- For Australian exporters to qualify for the preferential tariff rates; they will need to satisfy a Rule of Origin (ROO) test
- Obtain and retain documentary proof of the goods' originating status
- Exporters must then become "Registered Exporter"
- Obtain a Certificate of Origin for each shipment claiming preferential tariff treatment
Exporters are required to understand the definitions on Rules of Origin outlined in the TAFTA. This information can be found on the Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade website.
If you wish to access preferential tariffs for your goods, the next step is to confirm whether they qualify as originating Australian Goods. A copy of the Self-Assessing Guide is available below.
How to become a Registered Exporter and obtaining Certificates of Origin
Once you have confirmed that your goods satisfy their rule(s) of origin, you will need to become a Registered Exporter (PDF) to obtain Certificates of Origin (Word) for each shipment of goods claiming preferential tariff treatment.
You can determine the HS Codes for your products from the Australian Harmonised Export Commodity Classification (AHECC).
For further assistance with HS Codes contact Australian Customs Services on 1300 363 263.
A business guide to the Australia Thailand Free Trade Agreement is available from the Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade (PDF).
Further information
For further information contact Chamber of Commerce & Industry Queensland's Business Globally team on 07 3842 2244 or email intl@cciq.com.au.