Basics by Free Trade Agreement: Australia
In order to be eligible for preferential duty rates, is it necessary to fill out a Certificate of Origin?
The U.S.-Australia FTA calls for the importer to make a claim of preference. This Agreement does not require that the importer provide a certificate of origin in support of the claim of preference. However, importers claiming a preference for a good must be prepared to submit, upon request by Customs authorities, a statement setting out the reasons that the good qualifies, including pertinent cost and manufacturing information if necessary. No particular format for such a statement is specified in the Agreement.
The importer may therefore ask the exporter for this information. The exporter (seller) may give confirmation, in an un-prescribed format, of why the goods qualify as "originating," which the importer may use to validate its claim. It is advisable to work with your importer and provide your importer with a written statement of origin upon request.
Customs officials can require importers to maintain documents relating to purchases and costs for up to five years after importation, should investigation and verification of claims be required. Customs officials can also seek information from exporters in verifying claims.
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