The reporter learned from Guangdong Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau on January 4 that the Protocol for the Upgrading of China-Chile Free Trade Agreement (hereinafter referred to as the "Upgraded Edition") was formally signed in November 2017 and is expected to be implemented within this year. On the basis of the high-level liberalization of goods under the original FTA, the two sides will continue to expand market opening. The overall proportion of zero-tariff products will reach about 98%, which will become the FTA with the highest level of goods liberalization in China so far.
After the upgrade comes into effect, Chile will immediately abolish tariffs on 24 products, such as household appliances, textiles and clothing, involving China's annual exports to Chile of about $4 million. The direct reduction of import tariffs from 6% to zero will greatly enhance the competitiveness of related products in Chile, help export enterprises to further explore Chile and even emerging markets in South America, and transform the advantages of FTA into the advantages of enterprises in expanding exports.
It is reported that the upgraded version optimizes the rules of origin and improves the relevant implementation procedures, so as to provide more convenience for enterprises to make use of the preferential policies of China-Chile FTA. First, the standard of origin is more relaxed. Without satisfying the change of tax classification, the standard of "micro content" of export products has been relaxed from 8% to 10% of the original non-original material composition, and the expressions of the terms "original goods" and "complete goods" have been simplified to be as consistent as possible with other existing new agreements. Second, it is more convenient to apply for and use certificates. Allow the renewal and Re-issuance of certificates of origin, break through the restriction that the original certificate application time is 30 days before and after shipment of goods; when applying for preferential tariffs, goods can be exempted from submitting transit certification materials issued by transit customs when meeting the relevant provisions of "direct transport rules", so as to solve the difficulties that transit customs are unwilling to issue certification documents; allow the use of electronic certificates of origin to facilitate enterprises. Industry transmission, use and storage, and the use of a copy of the certificate clearance. Third, the content of certificates is more perfect. Cancel the filling-in of invoice amount, solve the problem that bidding enterprises can not get the amount because of the third party confidentiality requirements; increase the "WP" standard and modify the "P" standard to "WO" to more accurately classify and describe the origin of products.
China-Chile FTA is the first FTA signed by China and Latin American countries. Since its formal implementation in October 2006, it has led to the rapid development of bilateral economic and trade relations between China and Chile. According to statistics, in 2017, Guangdong Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau issued 546,000 certificates of origin of China-Chile Free Trade Agreement for enterprises, with the amount of visas amounting to US$2.182 billion, which can provide enterprises with about US$131 million in tariff reduction and exemption for Chile's imports.
The upgraded version of 24 products whose tariffs are immediately reduced to zero involves superior export products of Guangdong, such as household appliances, textiles and clothing. Enterprises have great potential to take advantage of preferential tariff policies of origin.
