TAFTA Certificate of Origin

What is TAFTA?

The Thailand-Australia Free Trade Agreement (TAFTA) is one of two FTAs that Australian businesses can use to trade with Thailand. This agreement entered into force on 1 January 2005.

As a member of ASEAN, Thailand is also part of the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (AANZFTA).

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

TAFTA eliminates or reduces barriers to trade in goods between Australia and Thailand. This benefits Australian businesses that:

• Intend to or are currently exporting goods of Australian origin to Thailand
• Intend to or are currently importing goods of Thai origin for sale in Australia

TAFTA has eliminated the majority of Thai tariffs on goods imported from Australia.

• Upon TAFTA's entry into force on 1 January 2005, Thailand eliminated its tariffs on some 2,934 items (around 53% of all items), accounting for 78% of current Thai imports from Australia. Of these, only 206 items were previously duty free.
• A further 41% of Thai tariffs were phased to zero in 2010. These items cover 17% of current trade.
• All remaining tariffs, including tariff rate quotas, will phase to zero in 2015 or 2010, with the exception of skim milk powder and liquid milk and cream, for which the tariff rate quotas will be eliminated in 2025.
• For agricultural products subject to tariff rate quotas prior to 1 January 2005, Thailand has either eliminated the tariff and quota restrictions or will expand access for Australia over a transition period varying according to the product, before final elimination of the tariff rate quota.

For further information refer to the Guide to the provisions of the Thailand-Australia Free Trade Agreement.

Australian export goods seeking preferential treatment must be accompanied by appropriate origin documentation such as TAFTA Certificates of Origin completed according to the requirements of the Thailand-Australia Free Trade Agreement.

What is a TAFTA Certificate of Origin?

A TAFTA Certificate of Origin is documentary evidence that goods originate in Australia or Thailand in accordance with the provisions of the Thailand-Australia Free Trade Agreement. 

TAFTA provides that goods can only attract tariff preference if they are accompanied by a Certificate of Origin which confirms that they meet the rules of origin. A special TAFTA 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 a TAFTA Certificate of Origin, you must first register with us as an exporter under TAFTA which includes registering the goods you intend to export to Thailand. Click here to download a registration form.

Once obtained from the Chamber, the original TAFTA Certificate of Origin should be forwarded to the importer to clear the goods through customs in Thailand.

A separate, valid TAFTA Certificate of Origin is required for each shipment of goods in order for your importer to claim preferential duty rates under TAFTA. For further information refer to Taking advantage of Thailand-Australia Free Trade Agreement's benefits and opportunities.

Are my goods eligible?

Only goods that originate in either Thailand or Australia may enjoy preferential tariff rates. TAFTA preferential rules of origin are agreed criteria used to ensure that this is the case. Any imports into Thailand or Australia that do not comply with the rules set out in Chapter 4 and TAFTA Annex 4 will be subject to the general rate of duty applied in Australia or Thailand instead of the preferential tariff rates available under TAFTA.

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

• Wholly obtained or produced in Australia (or Australia and Thailand)
• Produced in Australia (or Thailand) wholly from originating materials
• Produced in Australia (or Thailand) wholly or partly from originating materials, when "change in tariff classification" measures will be used to determine origin

For more about 'originating' goods under TAFTA, see here or contact the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade on (02) 6261 1111. 

Why do I need a TAFTA Certificate of Origin?

TAFTA Certificates of Origin are required to demonstrate the originating status of your goods to the customs authorities in Thailand. You need a Certificate of Origin in order for your importer to qualify for the reduced tariff rates under the Thailand-Australia Free Trade Agreement.

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

How do I organise a TAFTA Certificate of Origin?

Step 1: Complete a TAFTA Deed of Declaration to register yourself as an exporter, and your goods, under TAFTA.

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

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

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

Step 5: Forward the original printed in colour hardcopy of the TAFTA 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!