How to fill in the country of origin for entrepot trade? Please help me figure it out!
Solved#Entrepot trade#
Our company is currently handling entrepot trade business and facing a dilemma regarding how to fill in the country of origin. The goods are purchased from Country A, first shipped to China's bonded zone, and then transshipped to Country B. I'm uncertain whether to list Country A, China, or follow other rules when filling out relevant trade documents. I hope knowledgeable friends can explain this in detail, as this issue is crucial for ensuring smooth trade procedures. Thank you all!
Professional consultant answers
Robert ChenYears of service：6Customer Rating：5.0
Customer service consultantConsult
In entrepot trade, the country of origin is typically filled according to the goods' actual original production country. In your case, since the goods were purchased from Country A and merely transshipped through China's bonded zone to Country B, the origin should normally be listed as Country A. This is because the goods were manufactured in Country A, making it their country of origin.
However, some special circumstances require attention. If the goods undergo substantial processing in the bonded zone that changes their tariff classification, the origin might be affected. Substantial processing generally refers to processing that alters the goods' customs tariff classification or increases the value-added portion beyond a certain percentage of the new product's total value. If such standards aren't met, Country A should remain the origin. When filling out documents, carefully review trade contracts, letters of credit, and other relevant requirements to avoid trade process disruptions due to incorrect origin information.
William YangYears of service：5Customer Rating：5.0
International logistics consultantConsult
Generally, you should fill in the original production country, which is Country A. Unless there's processing in the bonded zone that changes the nature of the goods, the origin should remain the initial production location.
Joseph ZhouYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Senior foreign trade managerConsult
If uncertain, we recommend consulting with your foreign client to see if they have specific requirements for origin declaration before making a final decision.
Elizabeth LiYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Compliance and risk managerConsult
The filling should comply with specific trade terms and relevant regulations. In your case without special processing, listing Country A as the origin would be more appropriate.
David LiYears of service：6Customer Rating：5.0
Senior customs declaration consultantConsult
You may refer to relevant trade guidelines or consult customs authorities for authoritative instructions on proper filling methods – this would be more reliable.
Sarah ZhangYears of service：8Customer Rating：5.0
Document expertConsult
Review how similar trade cases handled origin declarations previously, which could provide useful references.
James LiuYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Foreign trade tax refund consultantConsult
Note that different shipping documents might have slight variations in origin declaration requirements – all should be considered.
Amanda YangYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Cost control consultantConsult
If certifications are involved, certification bodies may have specific origin declaration rules that must be followed.
Andrew HuangYears of service：7Customer Rating：5.0
Supply chain optimization expertConsult
Consider factors like the goods' dwell time in the bonded zone – if the stay is brief without processing, Country A should likely remain the origin.