An Assessment of Rules of Origin in RCEP and ASEAN+1 Free Trade Agreements

This report analyzes how to detangle and simplify the complex product-specific rules of origin (PSRO) in free trade agreements in Asia and the Pacific and explores how technology can cut red tape and reduce inefficiencies impacting trade.

It compares the leniency and stringency of PSROs under the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) in terms of manufacturing requirements with those contained in ASEAN+1 free trade agreements. Assessing how companies could benefit from an actionable document showing convergence and leniency, it examines how RCEP can boost intra-regional trade with more with business friendly PSROs and operational certification procedures.