summary of the information session on
non-preferential rules of origin – 2 March
2017
Note by the Secretariat[1]
1. Introduction
1.1 In the absence of negotiations on the
Harmonization Work Programme (HWP), the Committee on Rules of Origin (CRO)
agreed to initiate an "educational exercise" to share experiences and
learn more about the non-preferential rules of origin currently being applied
by some WTO Members. The Committee deemed, in fact, that a better
understanding about the design, coverage and trade effects of existing
non-preferential rules of origin would be useful to decide how to take forward its
work on non-preferential rules of origin (G/RO/M/63). Different information sessions have therefore
been organized since 2015. During these sessions, Members heard presentations
by representatives of different international organizations, professional
associations and businesses (see summaries in G/RO/W/162 and G/RO/W/167).
The latest session was held on 2 March 2017. As agreed by Members
(G/RO/M/66), this note contains a brief summary of the main points made by the
speakers who took part in that session.
[1] This
document has been prepared under the Secretariat's own responsibility and is
without prejudice to the positions of Members or to their rights and
obligations under the WTO.