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Outbound - Preferential origin

Preferential origin assessment

Preferential origin becomes relevant where the customer requests proof of origin for an outbound shipment. Before performing an assessment, CS identifies the product and quantity concerned, the country of destination and the preferential arrangement under which originating status is to be assessed.

Where the goods leave the terminal unchanged, VTTI relies on the preferential origin information and supporting documentation recorded upon arrival. CS verifies that the outbound goods can be traced to the relevant inbound parcel and are covered by the available documentation.

Where the goods have undergone blending or processing at the terminal, the preferential origin of the resulting product must be assessed under the relevant trade agreement. The terminal’s customs specialist performs this assessment based on the relevant product-specific origin rule, the originating status of the input materials, the operations performed at the terminal and the information available in VTTI’s systems.

A work instruction for determining the preferential origin of outbound products is available here.

Proof of preferential origin

Where the originating status of an outbound product has been established, the terminal’s customs specialist determines which form of proof may be used under the applicable preferential arrangement and whether VTTI is entitled to issue, make out or facilitate that proof.

VTTI will only issue, make out or facilitate a proof of preferential origin where:

  • the originating status of the product has been established and substantiated;
  • the required form of proof is permitted under the applicable arrangement;
  • the relevant formal requirements are met; and
  • the proof can be linked to the relevant outbound product, quantity and shipment.

Where a proof must be issued or endorsed by a customs authority or another competent body, VTTI may facilitate the application based on the completed origin assessment and available supporting documentation.

Recording and retention

The origin assessment, its outcome and the supporting documentation are retained as part of the origin audit trail. Any proof of origin issued, made out or facilitated for the outbound shipment is stored in the Document Management System and linked to the relevant parcel or shipment. CS records the relevant document data in the Cargo Documents module in ERP.

Follow-up and escalation

Any doubt regarding the applicable preferential arrangement, the originating status of the input materials, the applicable origin rule or the required proof must be resolved before preferential origin is documented.

Where necessary, CS involves the terminal’s customs specialist. The terminal’s customs specialist may request support from CGT where the matter is complex, has a potentially material financial or compliance impact or requires engagement with a competent authority.

VTTI will not issue, make out or facilitate a proof of preferential origin while material concerns regarding the originating status of the product or the supporting documentation remain unresolved.

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