"Many Requests for FTA Origin Verification"... KITA Provides Practical Training for Export-Import Companies

Over 190 Export-Import Company Officials Attend
"Need to Review Whether Origin Determination Criteria Are Met"
KITA Plans Nationwide Tour for Training Sessions

The Korea International Trade Association conducted practical training on origin management related to FTAs (Free Trade Agreements) and RCEP (Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership) for export-import company officials.

The KITA FTA & Trade Support Center held the "2025 Korea-China FTA and RCEP Origin Management Practical Training" on the 26th at the Trade Tower in Samseong-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul.

With about 190 export-import company officials attending, the training covered ▲basic concepts of FTAs such as Korea-China FTA and RCEP ▲product classification ▲origin determination criteria and judgment ▲origin verification, along with practical exercises on filling out certificates of origin. After the training, consultation opportunities with the Seoul Regional Customs Office of the Korea Customs Service and professional customs brokers were also provided.

Yoo Sung-woo, Director of the Seoul Regional Customs Office of the Korea Customs Service, stated, "Recently, requests for origin verification of goods exported from Korea using FTAs have been continuously made by Turkey, the European Union (EU), India, ASEAN, and others," adding, "It is essential to carefully review product classification errors, validity of certified exporters, and whether origin determination criteria are met when preparing certificates of origin, as well as to thoroughly keep related supporting documents."

The Korea International Trade Association FTA and Trade Comprehensive Support Center held the "2025 Korea-China FTA and RCEP Origin Management Practical Training" on the 26th at the Trade Tower in Samseong-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul. Photo by Korea International Trade Association

Companies that complete the training are awarded 10 points necessary to obtain the 'Certified Exporter of Origin.' Companies that acquire this certification are granted the authority to issue certificates of origin and can enjoy simplified submission of supporting documents. Additionally, when utilizing RCEP, they can autonomously issue certificates of origin, and autonomous issuance is also possible when exporting goods exceeding 6,000 euros under the Korea-EU and Korea-UK FTAs.

To support regional trading companies, KITA plans to hold this training on a tour basis in major cities nationwide such as Cheonan, Daegu, Busan, and Incheon. Furthermore, starting from the end of March, experts will directly visit companies wishing to utilize the Korea-China FTA and RCEP to provide customized in-depth consulting through the 'China Desk On-site Consulting.'

Lee Kang-il, head of the China Desk at KITA, who organized the training, emphasized, "Our companies can utilize bilateral FTAs with China and ASEAN countries, the Asia-Pacific Trade Agreement (APTA), and RCEP in trade with these countries," adding, "After comparing tariff rates among each agreement, companies should apply the more advantageous agreement to issue certificates of origin."

The KITA FTA & Trade Support Center operates an integrated call center and provides ongoing expert consultations related to customs, origin regulations, overseas certifications, intellectual property rights, and more.