Briefing Paper 15 – January 2018 Download Briefing Paper Peter Holmes and Nick Jacob Key Points Introduction Rules of Origin: A Primer Origin After Brexit Interviews with UK Firms Why Do Firms Use Preferential COs? What are the (Additional) Benefits of Preferential COs? Why Do Firms Use Non-Preferential COs? Approved Exporters What are the Costs and Challenges of Claiming Origin? Firm Interviews: Conclusions International Trade Survey Survey: Key Findings Conclusion Appendix Further Information Key Points Exporters are generally required to prove the origin of goods — as defined by agreed Rules of Origin — to customs authorities. This is likely to require more time from business after Brexit. While most academic studies have generally found high costs of compliance associated with Rules of Origin in Free Trade Agreements, our study suggests compliance is not as costly for firms as previously thought. The current option of Certificates of Origin supplied by Chambers of Commerce is tried and tested and offers a private-sector solution for firms to be assisted in ensuring compliance with Rules of Origin. Certificates could be used for goods trade under a possible EU-UK Free Trade Agreement post-Brexit, as well as for FTAs with other countries. Post-Brexit, [...]