Basics by Free Trade Agreement: CAFTA-DR
In order to be eligible for preferential duty rates, is it necessary to fill out a certificate of origin?
The CAFTA-DR calls for the importer to make a claim of preferential treatment. This Agreement does not require that the importer provide a certificate of origin in support of the claim of preference unless requested by the customs authority. However, an importer's claim of preference must be based on a written or electronic certification or the importer's knowledge that the good is originating. Additionally, importers claiming a preference for a good must be prepared to submit, upon request by customs authorities, information supporting the claim for preferential treatment.
The importer may therefore ask the exporter for such supporting information. The exporter 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.
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