General introduction - Origin

This procedure separately covers the concepts of preferential origin and non-preferential origin. 

Preferential origin is relevant in the context of free trade agreements and unilateral preferential trade schemes. For example: a product can be imported in the EU against a lower import duty rate (often 0%) if the product is of preferential origin in a country with which the EU has concluded a trade agreement. The rules of preferential origin are usually included in the free trade agreement itself.

Non-preferential origin is relevant in the context of commercial policy measures such as anti-dumping duties and sanctions. For example: at the time of writing this procedure, it is prohibited to import crude oil of Russian non-preferential origin. Another example: anti-dumping duties are due upon import of biodiesel of Chinese non-preferential origin. The rules of non-preferential origin are included in the legislation of the country of import. In case of the European Union, they are included in the Union Customs Code and its implementing- and delegated regulation.