RULES OF ORIGIN: II. Harmonization of Rules of Origin

Question 1

aims at harmonization of non-preferential rules of origin that are clear and predictable and are administered in transparent, consistent, uniform, impartial and reasonable manner.

Answer 1

WTO Agreement on ROO

Question 2

set out a work program for the harmonization of rules of origin to be undertaken after the entry into force of the WTO, in conjunction with the WTO

Answer 2

WTO Agreement on ROO

Question 3

T/F
At present, countries apply different ROOs which vary depending on considerations such as substantial transformation, value added, and/or manufacturing and processing systems.

Answer 3

True

Question 4

T/F
The harmonization of these divergent rules (e.g., use of uniform criteria and standard interpretations) would be in conformity with the WTO advocacy of promoting trade.

Answer 4

True

Question 5

Why is the Harmonized System used as a basis for the determination of the Rules of Origin?

Answer 5

it is internationally standardized and accepted coding system of classifying products.
it systematic grouping of goods into sections, chapters, headings and subheadings enables the determination of whether a good has undergone “substantial transformation” one of the basic criteria in determining its origin

Question 6

why was the WCO chosen to do the harmonization of ROOs?

Answer 6

it was the author and drafter of the HS, which has the familiarity on the features of the system used by most countries in the classification of goods.

Question 7

created under the auspices of the WCO and is open to all WTO Members.

Answer 7

Technical Committee on Rules of Origin (TCRO)

Question 8

meaning of the acronym TCRO and their functions

Answer 8

TCRO - Technical Committee on Rules of Origin
Functions;
i. to carry out harmonization work
ii. to deal with many matter concerning technical problems related to rules of origin.

Question 9

T/F
The TCRO meets once a year.

Answer 9

True

Question 10

T/F
Each WTO Member has the right to be represented in the TCRO by nominating at least one delegate and one or more alternatives to be its represented.

Answer 10

False
Each WTO Member has the right to be represented in the TCRO by nominating ONE delegate and one or more alternatives to be its represented.

Question 11

T/F
At the TCRO meetings, representatives may be assisted by advisers and the WTO Secretariat may be allowed to attend as a panel.

Answer 11

False
At the TCRO meetings, representatives may be assisted by advisers and the WTO Secretariat may be allowed to attend as AN OBSERVER.

Question 12

what is the status of the WCO which are not members of the WTO who may be represented at the TCRO meetings by one delegate and one or more alternatives?

Answer 12

Observer status

Question 13

established within the framework of the WTO and is open to all WTO members. They meet once a year to review the implementation and operation of the WTO Agreement on ROO.

Answer 13

Committee on Rules of Origin (CRO)

Question 14

officially lunched on July 20, 1995 and was scheduled for completion by July 20, 1998. Harmonization of non-preferential ROO is intended to ensure that such rules do not themselves create unnecessary obstacles to trade.

Answer 14

Harmonization Work Programme

Question 15

Harmonization Work Programme is conducted both by the WTO-CRO and WCO-TCRO in _____________ and ____________, respectively

Answer 15

Geneva and Brussels