Rules of Origin: Definition and Examples

What are Rules of Origin?

“Rules of Origin” refer to the criteria used in international trade to determine the national source of a product. These rules define whether a good is considered to originate from a specific country, which is essential for applying tariffs, trade agreements, quotas, and other trade measures. They are particularly important in free trade agreements, where they determine whether goods qualify for preferential treatment such as reduced or zero tariffs.