Self-certification of Origin Workshop in Yangon Myanmar

Today most ASEAN countries require that the origin (place of manufacture or creation) of a good, which is crucial for determining whether lower tariffs in a free trade agreement apply, must be certified by a government body or business association.  This can be a cumbersome process.  Under self-certification, the exporter itself would certify the origin of a good.  

Thus self-certification saves time and money, allowing faster and cheaper shipment of goods to customers.  Self-certification also reduces the documentation burden on traders when claiming preferential tariff treatment and it would help to expand the utilization of tariff concessions offered under the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA).

Around 60 participants attended a two-day workshop in Yangon, Myanmar on November 12-13 to better understand ASEAN’s program for self-certification of product origin.  The workshop helped participants develop a  better understanding of the proposed self-certification scheme and the institutions required to make the system work.

The workshop was especially beneficial for Burmese participants as they were able to learn about the operation and monitoring process in other ASEAN countries such as Brunei, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand.  The U.S. and Australia also shared their experience in implementing and enforcing their self-certification schemes.

Source: ASEAN Connectivity through Trade and Investment (ACTI)