Modernisation of the Customs Code and introduction of a list of non-preferential rules of origin

10.1.2012

Question for oral answer O-000003/2012
to the Commission
Rule 115
Silvana Koch-Mehrin
on behalf of the ALDE Group

Currently the origin of goods is determined by the principle enshrined in Article 24 of the Community Customs Code (Council Regulation (EEC) No 2913/92), according to which goods whose production involved more than one country are deemed to originate in the country where they underwent their last substantial, economically justified processing or working in an undertaking equipped for that purpose and resulting in the manufacture of a new product or representing an important stage of manufacture.

The WTO is undertaking efforts to harmonise the non-preferential origin of goods. On the basis of the WTO draft, and as part of efforts to modernise the Customs Code, the Commission has developed different binding rules of origin for non-preferential origin. According to the Commission, this list of rules will lead to more legal clarity regarding imports and serve as a clear legal basis, especially in anti-dumping cases. For companies, however, their introduction would make the procedure much more complex and complicated. Whereas previously the exporting country identified the origin of goods, according to the Commission proposal the EU itself would determine the origin of goods from third countries.

Tabled: 10.1.2012

Forwarded: 12.1.2012

Deadline for reply: 19.1.2012