Report of the committee on rules of origin to
the general council on preferential rules of origin for least developed
countries
Corrigendum*
Page
6, paragraph No. 5.5 should be replaced with the following text (new text in
bold):
"5.5 The LDC
Group noted that an important difference between the EU's
previous direct transportation requirement and its new non-manipulation clause
(non-alteration principle) lies in the documentary evidence to be provided.
Under the new non-manipulation (non-alteration principle) clause, the
requirements are considered as satisfied unless the customs authorities have
reasons to believe the contrary. In such cases, the customs authorities may
request the importer to provide evidence of compliance, which may be given by
any means[11] Hence, no documentary evidence has to be
provided to prove direct shipment unless customs administrations have a doubt.
The LDC submission concluded that this provision, or similar arrangements,
such as those adopted by Australia and New Zealand[12], constituted a best practice that other
preference‑giving Members should progressively adopt. Canada also indicated that, in practice, it applies a
similar standard."
__________
* In English and French only.
[11] A User's
Handbook to the Rules of Preferential Origin used in trade between the European
Community, other European Countries and the countries participating to the Euro-Mediterranean
Partnership.
[12] New Zealand
does not require any certification or documentation (including for proof of
origin) for LDC imports.