# Origin of goods

*Last updated: 2026-06-22*

> The origin of goods is the country where a product was wholly obtained or produced, or where it last underwent a substantial, economically justified transformation.

The origin of goods is the country where a product was wholly obtained or produced, or where it last underwent a substantial, economically justified transformation. It is the cornerstone of customs tariff classification, trade defence instruments, and preferential duty schemes: depending on origin, different duty rates apply, or the importer may claim reduced preferential tariffs. A fundamental distinction separates non-preferential origin – relevant for trade statistics, anti-dumping measures, and import restrictions – from preferential origin, which unlocks concessions under a specific trade agreement. Origin is established either through the wholly-obtained criterion or the substantial transformation criterion, assessed via value-added thresholds, tariff shift rules, or processing lists. Incorrect origin declarations can trigger retrospective duty assessments, loss of preferential treatment, or penalties.

**Source:** [https://www.wcoomd.org/en/topics/origin.aspx](https://www.wcoomd.org/en/topics/origin.aspx)

## Quick Facts

| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Term | Origin of goods |
| Language | EN |
| Word count | 120 |
| Last updated | 2026-06-22 |
| Source | https://www.wcoomd.org/en/topics/origin.aspx |

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