THE EUROPEAN UNION’S PREFERENTIAL TRADE AGREEMENTS : Performing an Origin Status Assessment

Abstract

The thesis was assigned by the Metso Paper, Inc. Jyväskylä unit, which is a global supplier of paper and board machinery. Under preferential trade agreements, which the European Union (EU) has negotiated with several countries around the world, Metso Paper and its customers have the possibility to benefit from duty preferences when exporting/importing goods. In order to be entitled to preferential treatment, the goods need to be of EU origin. For determining the origin, there are prescribed rules.

A need for a systematic approach to assess the origin status of Metso Paper’s products has been generated. Thus, the main research problem was: How to perform an origin status assessment?

In the research, the primary approach was qualitative. Solutions to the research problem were looked for by gathering information through written data and internal interviews and by exploiting practical experience. The work required input mainly from the forwarding and procurement functions of the company.

The outcomes of the thesis include instructions for performing an origin status assessment, and two tools to help this process. The outcomes provide good guidelines for Metso Paper and the thesis also works as a good source of information for other companies in their practice of international trade.