TAFTA

Thailand  - Accessing preferential tariffs under the Thailand-Australia Free Trade Agreement

Exporters must be Registered

Exporters Beware!
Australian goods exported to Thailand will not automatically accrue preferential tariffs.

The Thailand-Australia Free Trade Agreement (TAFTA) will deliver Australian exporters with unprecedented access to the Thai market when it comes into effect on 1 January 2005.  Most significantly, Thailand will eliminate its relatively high tariffs (averaging 15%), which include significant tariff peaks ranging up to 200%.

New Processes to qualify for preferential tariff treatment
Reduced or zero tariffs will only be available to those companies that can prove they qualify for preferential tariff treatment, by undertaking the following steps.

STEP 1:
Ensure the goods being exported meet their rule of origin test(s).

STEP 2:
Obtain and retain documentary proof of the goods' originating status.

STEP 3:
Complete the necessary documentation to become a 'Registered Exporter'.

STEP 4:
Obtain a Certificate of Origin for each shipment of goods claiming preferential tariff treatment.

Confirming originating status of your goods
In the first instance, companies should confirm whether a Thai tariff applies to their goods, as some will not require preferential tariff treatment.  View the current Thai Tariffs and the tariff reduction commitments.

If you wish to access preferential tariffs for your goods, the next step is to confirm whether they qualify as originating Australian goods. 

Becoming a Registered Exporter and obtaining Certificates of Origin
Once you have confirmed that your goods satisfy their rule(s) of origin, you will need to become a 'Registered Exporter' and obtain 'Certificates of Origin' for each shipment of goods claiming preferential tariff treatment.  Ai Group is authorised under TAFTA to conduct both of these processes. See Export Documentation.

Contact Ai Group to obtain an information kit, which includes instructions and the necessary documentation.  Email tradedocs@aigroup.asn.au or call Greg on tel: (03) 9867 0152.