Origin

Non-preferential origin is relevant for customs declarations and for the application of commercial policy measures, such as sanctions and anti-dumping duties. Where goods leave the terminal without having undergone processing or blending that may affect their origin, VTTI uses the non-preferential origin recorded for the relevant incoming parcel or parcels. Where goods have been blended or otherwise processed at the terminal, VTTI determines the non-preferential origin of the resulting product on the basis of the applicable origin rules and the information available in the terminal’s systems. Until that determination has been completed, no specific country of origin may be used for the resulting product.

Preferential origin becomes relevant where preferential tariff treatment is claimed upon import or where the customer requests a proof of preferential origin for an outbound shipment. For incoming goods, preferential tariff treatment is only claimed where the normally applicable import duty rate exceeds 0%, a preferential arrangement applies and a valid proof of origin is available. For outgoing goods, VTTI only issues, makes out or facilitates a proof of preferential origin where the originating status of the product has been established and substantiated under the applicable preferential arrangement. Where goods have been blended or processed at the terminal, this requires a separate assessment under the product-specific origin rules of the relevant arrangement.

VTTI relies on the origin information and supporting documentation provided by the customer for the goods and materials before their arrival at the terminal. VTTI supplements this information with its own records of the storage, movement, blending and processing activities performed at the terminal. Where the available information is incomplete, inconsistent or gives rise to doubt, VTTI will request clarification or additional supporting documentation. VTTI will not use an origin for customs or compliance purposes, claim preferential tariff treatment or issue, make out or facilitate origin documentation while material concerns remain unresolved.