ChAFTA Certificate of Origin

What is ChAFTA?

ChAFTA stands for China-Australia Free Trade Agreement, which entered into force on 20th December, 2015.

ChAFTA is an historic agreement that is delivering enormous benefits to Australia, enhancing our competitive position in the Chinese market, boosting economic growth and creating jobs.

What are the benefits of ChAFTA for exporters & importers of goods?

ChAFTA eliminates or reduces barriers to trade in goods between Australia and our largest trading partner, China. This benefits Australian businesses that:

  • Intend to or are currently exporting goods of Australian origin to China
  • Intend to or are currently importing goods of Chinese origin for sale in Australia
  • For use as inputs into further manufacturing

One of the immediate benefits of ChAFTA for exporters of goods is the rapid reductions or complete elimination of tariffs across a wide range of products. For further information on the benefits of ChAFTA, see here.

Australian export goods that are seeking preferential treatment must be accompanied by appropriate origin documentation such as ACCI ChAFTA Certificates of Origin. These need to be completed according to the requirements of the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement.

What is an ACCI ChAFTA Certificate of Origin?

An ACCI ChAFTA Certificate of Origin is documentary evidence that goods originate in Australia or China in accordance with the provisions of the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement.

A special ACCI ChAFTA Certificate of Origin template is required to be completed and signed by the exporter/producer to be processed by the Chamber. It can be completed and submitted by the freight company on the exporter's behalf.

To obtain an ACCI ChAFTA Certificate of Origin, you must first register with us as an exporter under ChAFTA. Once obtained from the Chamber, the original ACCI ChAFTA Certificate of Origin should be forwarded to the importer to clear the goods through customs in China.

A separate, valid ACCI ChAFTA Certificate of Origin is required for each shipment of goods in order for your importer to claim preferential duty rates under ChAFTA. It may cover one or more goods, but must not exceed 20 items in total and may be valid for up to one year from issuing.

 

Download your ACCI ChAFTA Certificate of Origin template here.

Are my goods eligible?

Only goods that originate in either China or Australia enjoy preferential tariff rates. ChAFTA Preferential Rules of Origin are agreed criteria used to ensure that this is the case. These criteria are required to prevent trans-shipment, where goods from a third party are redirected through either China or Australia to avoid paying higher tariffs. Any imports into China or Australia that do not comply with the rules set out in Chapter 3 and Annex 2 of the agreement will be subject to the general rate of duty applied in Australia or China instead of the preferential tariff rates available under ChAFTA.

For Australian exporters in general, goods which are 'originating' under ChAFTA and eligible for ACCI ChAFTA Certificate of Origin are:

  • Wholly obtained, or produced from wholly obtained, goods entirely in Australia (or Australia and China); or
  • Produced entirely in Australia (or Australia and China), from materials classified as 'originating' under the rules of origin; or
  • Produced in Australia (or Australia and China) using inputs from other countries, and meets the Product Specific Rules (PSR's) applicable to that good.

For further information, please refer to the Guide to using ChAFTA to export and import goods or contact the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade on (02) 6261 1888

Why do I need an ACCI ChAFTA Certificate of Origin?

ACCI ChAFTA Certificates of Origin or other origin certification documents under ChAFTA are required to demonstrate the originating status of your goods to the customs authorities in China, in order for your importer to qualify for the reduced tariff rates under the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement.

More simply, ACCI ChAFTA Certificates of Origin are required to access the reduced tariff/duty rates on goods under the Agreement.

How do I organise an ACCI ChAFTA Certificate of Origin?

Step 1: Complete the Exporter Information C04 Form under the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement to become a registered exporter under ChAFTA.

Step 2: Email your completed C04 Form to Business Chamber Queensland International Trade Services to [email protected].

Step 3: Once your form has been received and accepted, we will email you your company registration number under ChAFTA and the ACCI ChAFTA Certificate of Origin template with the corresponding instructions on how to complete it. We may also request supporting evidence.

Step 4: Submit the completed ACCI ChAFTA Certificate of Origin to [email protected] or through our electronic certificates provider essCert or TradeStylus.

Step 5: Forward the original (printed in colour, double sided on A4 paper) of the ACCI ChAFTA Certificate of Origin to your importer.

We're here to help

Our team is here to help. Should you require any assistance, please give us a call on (07) 3192 0150 or send us an email to [email protected].

Have you thought about becoming a member with Business Chamber Queensland International? Depending on your level of membership, our members receive:

  • Up to a 45% discount on their export documentation
  • Access to our Export Hotline service that is staffed with experienced trade advisors
  • Online Free Trade Agreement training modules
  • Access to HR benefits, including our Employer Assistance Hotline and a HR Health Check
  • A listing on our Members Directory, invitations to our Business Chamber Queensland events & webinars plus more!

 

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From $419 Annually (ex GST)

 

Acknowledgement of Country

Business Chamber Queensland respectfully acknowledges the Traditional Owners and custodians of the lands from across Queensland and the Torres Strait. We acknowledge the Jagera and Turrbal people as the Traditional Custodians of Meanjin (Brisbane), the lands where our office is located and the place we meet, work and learn. We pay our respects to Elders past and present.