FTAs vs GSP: understanding key differences and practical implications for companies

Annette Reiser
Annette Reiser
Attorney at Law, Customs and Trade Compliance, nettes`globaltrade, Germany
Ilona Mishchenko
Ilona Mishchenko
Managing Editor, CustomsClear, Ukraine
Published 23 Apr 2026
FTAs vs GSP: understanding key differences and practical implications for companies
AI generated
Topic spotlight
Origin

This article explores the practical differences between free trade agreements (FTAs) and the Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP) scheme. As they operate in fundamentally different ways, they also influence internal company processes differently. It explains why origin information relevant to the GSP may still be included in suppliers’ declarations and examines the concepts of bilateral and regional cumulation within the GSP framework, among other aspects.

Related content

UCC change for US imports: proof of origin now includes direct transport

UCC change for US imports: proof of origin now includes direct transport

Editorial Board
Editorial Board
26 Jul 2026

Since 1 July 2026, most industrial goods originating in the United States enter the EU duty-free, and a range of US agricultural and seafood products benefit from tariff quotas. Importers…

Origin
News in focus
India-UK CETA and its rules of origin: a new chapter in India’s preferential trade architecture

India-UK CETA and its rules of origin: a new chapter in India’s preferential trade architecture

Bhupender Singh
Bhupender Singh
12 Jul 2026

Editorial note: With the EU-India FTA near conclusion and the UK-India CETA entering into force on 15 July 2026, exporters to India face a market that is liberalising at the…

Origin
Trade policy
Country update
Rules of origin under free trade agreements: compliance vs usability

Rules of origin under free trade agreements: compliance vs usability

21 Jun 2026

According to the European Commission’s report, trade agreements have strengthened the EU’s global competitiveness, improved EU companies’ access to third-country markets, and supported exports in key sectors. However, their full…

Origin
Perspective
EU-UK TCA: when the rules of origin rule nothing out

EU-UK TCA: when the rules of origin rule nothing out

Enrika Naujokė
Enrika Naujokė
31 May 2026

A ruling by the Lithuanian Supreme Administrative Court has brought to a close a dispute that passed through three instances: whether worn clothing imported from the United Kingdom is entitled…

Origin
Case law
EU-Mercosur agreement 2026: rules of origin, tariffs & practical compliance guide

EU-Mercosur agreement 2026: rules of origin, tariffs & practical compliance guide

Marc Bauer
Marc Bauer
31 May 2026

The EU-Mercosur agreement entered provisional application on 1 May 2026, bringing new preferential origin rules and a gradual tariff elimination schedule that customs and trade compliance teams need to apply…

Origin
Trade policy
EU-UK TCA rules of origin: can second-hand clothing get zero duty?

EU-UK TCA rules of origin: can second-hand clothing get zero duty?

Enrika Naujokė
Enrika Naujokė
26 May 2026

This recording examines a recent Lithuanian Supreme Court ruling on whether second-hand clothing imported from the United Kingdom qualifies for zero preferential duty under the European Union-United Kingdom Trade and…

Duties & taxes
Origin