Text on the joint initiative by the ITC, WCO and WTO which helps micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) benefit from international trade opportunities.   Originally published by ITC (HERE). By Anna Jerzewska and Dzmitry Kniahin    The Rules of Origin Facilitator is a new online tool which makes navigating the complex landscape of trade agreements easier. […]

By David Henig and Anna Jerzewska Originally published by the UK Trade Forum (HERE).   “I’m from the government and I’m here to help” is often a statement business representatives really don’t like to hear. But as the UK embarks on an independent trade policy outside the European Union, that needs to change, at least […]

As the UK negotiates its exit from the EU, rules of origin are becoming a key topic. Even if the UK reaches a deal with the EU, renegotiates agreements with the EU’s existing partners such as Canada, Japan or South Korea, or signs deals with new partners such as the US or India, the question […]

When the UK exits the EU, it will forfeit access to the Pan-Euro-Med (PEM) cumulation zone. In this article, the author examines the potential implications of Brexit on cumulation of origin, particularly with regard to the UK textiles industry, and outlines related aspects that the UK must weigh up when defining its future relationship both […]

Access to preferential import tariffs under a free trade agreement (FTA) is governed by clearly defined rules of origin designed to prevent non-members from enjoying the benefits. However, a company’s ability to trade under preference even when it meets these rules, is subject to a number of other conditions and requirements. In particular, the documentary […]

Can Free Trade Agreements keep up with the increasingly complex and changing global value chains? Can the preferential origin regime restrict firms’ ability to trade under preference?   A shorter version of the paper prepared for the RTA Exchange Policy Dialogue “Towards Inclusive Rules of Origin”, 21–22 November 2016. Published by the E15 Initiative (HERE). […]

This study focuses on the use of FTAs by Japanese corporations – FTAs’ main clients – to date. It asks the following questions: What strategic commercial objectives do different types of existing FTAs (bilateral, semi-regional) fulfil for Japanese corporations, mainly in the electronics and machinery sectors, and how successful are they in performing this role? […]

Review of the key criticism of the investor-to-state dispute settlement mechanism (ISDS) in the context of new FTA negotiations taking place, the recent changes to the ISDS mechanism and the future of ISDS in FTAs.   Introduction   The investor-to-state dispute settlement mechanism (ISDS) is a provision of international law that allows foreign investors to […]