Thoughts on non-preferential & Deep Origin

Brian Staples
Brian Staples
President, Trade Facilitation Services, Canada
Published 03 Dec 2023
Thoughts on non-preferential & Deep Origin
Adobe Stock
Perspective
Origin
The fundamental premise of these notes is that the absence of any harmonization for rules of non-preferential rules of origin is increasingly and very rapidly creating additional discriminatory opportunities to expand and extend the scope and impact of a wide range of trade policies and trade restrictions. A brief analysis will provide a few examples of this phenomena, including an examination of its probable causes, and possible approaches to mitigate related barriers to international trade. The final notes will examine potential information and data contradictions in the current efforts to control so-called 'negative externalities' by way of 'deep origin' requirements, such as forced labour and carbon measures, at the border.

Related content

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

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

Annette Reiser
Annette Reiser
23 Apr 2026

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…

Origin
Topic spotlight
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
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
Non-preferential origin: theory and practice

Non-preferential origin: theory and practice

20 Jul 2025

The increasing number of US tariffs, sanctions and sustainability-related regulations has made the issue of non-preferential origin critical in today's global trade. This shift is raising numerous questions. What are…

Origin
Topic spotlight
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