Common use of Verification of Origin Clause in Contracts

Verification of Origin. 1. For the purposes of determining whether a good imported into a Party from the other Party qualifies as an originating good, the customs administration of the importing Party may conduct a verification action by means of: (a) written requests for information from the importer; (b) written requests for information from the exporter or producer of the exporting Party; (c) requests that the customs administration of the exporting Party assist in verifying the origin of the good; or (d) verification visits to the premises of the exporter or the producer in the territory of the other Party to observe the facilities and the production processes of the good and to review the records referring to origin, including accounting records. 2. For the purposes of paragraph 1(a) and paragraph 1(b), the customs administration shall allow the importer, exporter, or producer a period of 30 days from the date of the written request to respond. During this period the importer, exporter, or producer may request, in writing, an extension not exceeding 30 days. 3. For the purposes of this Article and Article 26 (Verification Visit), all the information requested by the importing Party and responded to by the exporting Party shall be communicated in English. 4. The customs administration of the importing Party shall complete any action under paragraph 1 to verify eligibility for preferential tariff treatment within the period specified in the laws, regulations or administrative procedures of the importing Party. Upon completion of the verification action, the customs administration shall provide written advice to the importer, exporter or producer of its decision as well as the legal basis and findings of fact on which the decision was made within 90 days. 5. Where a verification visit was undertaken, the customs administration shall also provide advice of the decision to the exporting Party.