If my product is made in U.S., doesn’t it automatically qualify for NAFTA/other free trade agreements?
It is not a given that your product will meet one of the rules of origin that would allow it to qualify under a free trade agreement (FTA).
Each FTA is designed to offer importer benefits for products that meet a particular qualifying rule of origin. For example, Customs will allow a producer to use non-originating materials if they satisfy a tariff shift transformation or meet a regional value content requirement under that FTA’s origin rule.
You must also be able to provide this qualifying information to Customs in the event of an FTA verification. Failure to do so may result in denial of preferential tariff treatment, requiring full payment of duties plus interest.
Come learn more at Benefiting from NAFTA & Other Free Trade Agreements on August 12 in Middleburg Heights, OH. Registration for this event is open until 8/5. Click here to learn more and register. Discounts available for groups of 2 or more.
By Jim Trubits
Jim Trubits is Vice President for Mohawk Global Trade Advisors. Click here to read more about Jim.