CHAFTA Certificate of Origin

Only goods that originate in either China or Australia enjoy preferential tariff rates. ChAFTA preferential rules of origin are agreed criteria used to ensure that this is the case. These criteria are required to prevent trans-shipment, where goods from a third party are redirected through either China or Australia to avoid paying higher tariffs. Any imports into China or Australia that do not comply with the rules set out in Chapter 3 and Annex 2 of the agreement will be subject to the general rate of duty applied in Australia or China instead of the preferential tariff rates available under ChAFTA.

For Australian exporters, in general, goods which are 'originating' under ChAFTA and eligible for  ChAFTA Certificate of Origin are:

• wholly obtained, or produced from wholly obtained, goods entirely in Australia (or Australia and China); or
• produced entirely in Australia (or Australia and China), from materials classified as 'originating' under the rules of origin; or
• produced in Australia (or Australia and China) using inputs from other countries, and meets the Product Specific Rules (PSRs) applicable to that good.

For further information please refer to Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade website.

ChAFTA Certificates of Origin or other origin certification documents under ChAFTA are required to demonstrate the originating status of your goods to the customs authorities in China in order for your importer to qualify for the reduced tariff rates under the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement.

ChAFTA eliminates or reduces barriers to trade in goods between Australia and our largest trading partner, China. This benefits Australian businesses that intend to or currently export goods of Australian origin to China, or intend to or currently import goods of Chinese origin for sale in Australia or for use as inputs into further manufacturing.

One of the immediate benefits of ChAFTA for exporters of goods is the rapid reductions or complete elimination of tariffs across a wide range of products. For further information on the benefits of ChAFTA, please refer DFAT website.

Australian export goods seeking preferential treatment must be accompanied by appropriate origin documentation such as ChAFTA Certificates of Origin completed according to the requirements of the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement.

• Step 1: Complete the Exporter Information C04 Form to become a registered exporter under ChAFTA.
• Step 2: Email your completed C04 Form to Australian Business Chamber (exportdocs.cbd@businessaustralia.com).
• Step 3: Once your CO4 form has been received and accepted, we will email you the ChAFTA Certificate of Origin template with the corresponding instructions on how to complete it. We may also request for supporting evidence.
• Step 4: Submit the completed ChAFTA Certificate of Origin to exportdocs.cbd@businessaustralia.com or through our electronic platforms. For electronic submissions please contact us on 02 9466 4565 or send email.  
• Step 5: Forward the original printed in colour hardcopy of the ChAFTA Certificate of Origin to your importer. Please remember to print the overleaf notes.