ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (AANZFTA)

The ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Area (AANZFTA) strengthens economic partnerships and serves as a building block toward regional economic integration. The agreement progressively liberalizes trade in goods and services while facilitating investment opportunities among the participating parties. Philippine importers can use AANZFTA to reduce import duties and taxes on eligible goods from Australia and New Zealand.

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Objectives of AANZFTA

• Eliminate or reduce tariffs and non-tariff barriers
• Liberalize trade in goods and services
• Promote and protect investments
• Strengthen economic cooperation among members
• Provide special treatment for developing ASEAN countries

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Rules of Origin (ROO)

The agreement treats a good as an originating good if a party wholly produces or obtains it, or if it satisfies specific requirements for goods not wholly produced:

• Regional Value Content (RVC) - A party considers a good originating if it possesses a regional value content of at least 40% of the FOB value.
• Change in Tariff Classification (CTC) - Parties grant origin if all non-originating materials undergo a change in tariff classification at the four-digit level.
• De Minimis - Parties still consider goods as originating if they do not satisfy CTC requirements, provided the value of non-originating materials does not exceed 10% of the FOB value.

For a broader explanation of Rules of Origin across Philippine trade agreements, see our Rules of Origin Guide.

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Certificate of Origin

The Certificate of Origin (CO) is the most important document required to claim preferential tariff rates under AANZFTA. It proves that the goods are produced in a member country and meet Rules of Origin requirements. Government-authorized agencies in the exporting country issue the CO. The CO is valid for 12 months from date of issuance.

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How to Avail Preferential Rates

1. Check Product Eligibility - Ensure goods meet Rules of Origin
2. Apply for Certificate of Origin - Submit documents to authorized issuing body and provide proof of origin
3. Prepare Documents - Commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, Certificate of Origin. See our full Import Documentation Checklist.
4. Submit to Customs - Importer submits documents at entry point
5. Customs Verification - Customs checks CO and origin, then applies reduced or zero tariff