Customs Reminder: Imports From ASEAN May Enjoy Tariff Preferences

According to Ningbo Customs briefing, China - ASEAN Free Trade Area (abbreviated CAFTA), is a free trade area formed by China and 10 countries of ASEAN. From January 1 this year, zero tariffs will be implemented on more than 90% of the products among China and six old ASEAN members, namely Brunei, the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Singapore. Four new members of ASEAN, namely Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar, will also enjoy zero tariffs on 90% of the products in 2015. Enterprises can search 2010 CAFTA conventional tariff rate from Announcement of the General Administration of Customs No. 88.

 

At the same time, customs officials said: "Certificates of origin of the imported goods are the keys to zero tariffs. Enterprises who want to enjoy the preferential tax rates, should provide an effective certificate of origin, the original commercial invoice, transport documents and other commercial documents along with invoices, contracts, packing lists, etc. in the process of standardized Customs declaration. "

 

In addition, CAFTA certificate of origin is using a dedicated FORM E composed with an original and three non-carbon copies. The original and the third copy should be given to the importer from the exporter for customs clearance in the importing country. Import enterprises who want to enjoy preferential tax rates should require ASEAN exporters to provide the original and the third copy of the certificates of origin.