Following the UK’s departure from the European Union on 31st January 2020 and the transition period, both sides are now negotiating a future trade relationship. A priority in these negotiations is the conclusion of a trade agreement that will be the core of the future economic relationship.
In this joint statement, the American Chemistry Council (ACC) and Cefic outline the rules of origin for chemical chapters 28-40 under the transatlantic trade and investment partnership (TTIP). The primary issue revolves around determining the origin of chemical goods based on "last substantial transformation" criteria. Key methods include a change of tariff sub-heading (CTSH), added-value rule, and chemical reaction. Additional criteria are detailed for processes like purification, change in particle size, mixtures, and biotechnological methods. Notably, minimal operations are insufficient to confer origin. A joint US-EU working group is proposed to standardise these rules.