International Trade News - The Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP)

The Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP)

What is CPTPP?

The Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) is a vast free trade area consisting of 12 sovereign countries spanning the Asia Pacific and the Americas, as well as the UK.

CPTPP is one of the most modern trade agreements in the world. It opens new markets for service providers and benefits exporters by cutting tariffs on preferential goods.

As of 24th December 2024, the UK can access CPTPP provisions with the following countries:

Australia
Brunei
Chile
Japan
Malaysia
New Zealand
Peru
Singapore
Vietnam

The following countries have not yet ratified the terms of the UK’s accession, meaning that the UK cannot yet access CPTPP provisions with these countries:

Canada
Mexico

Claiming Preference

To claim preferential origin a specific CPTPP Certificate of Origin, containing the information required in the trade agreement, will need to be produced.

There is no official format for the layout of this CPTPP Certificate of Origin, but an example template can be downloaded here

The minimum data requirements for a CPTPP Certificate of Origin are as follows per the trade agreement: ANNEX 3-B MINIMUM DATA REQUIREMENTS

1. Importer, Exporter or Producer Certification of Origin: Indicate whether the certifier is the exporter, producer or importer in accordance with Article 3.20: Claims for Preferential Treatment which states “ Except as otherwise provided in Annex 3-A (Other Arrangements), each Party shall provide that an importer may make a claim for preferential tariff treatment, based on a certification of origin completed by the exporter, producer or importer.”

2. Certifier: Provide the certifier’s name, address (including country), telephone number and e-mail address.

3. Exporter: Provide the exporter’s name, address (including country), e-mail address and telephone number if different from the certifier.
This information is not required if the producer is completing the certification of origin and does not know the identity of the exporter.
The address of the exporter shall be the place of export of the good in a TPP country.

4. Producer: Provide the producer’s name, address (including country), e-mail address and telephone number, if different from the certifier or exporter or, if there are multiple producers, state “Various” or provide a list of producers.
A person that wishes for this information to remain confidential may state “Available upon request by the importing authorities”.
The address of a producer shall be the place of production of the good in a TPP country.

5. Importer: Provide, if known, the importer’s name, address, e-mail address and telephone number. The address of the importer shall be in a TPP country.

6. Description and HS Tariff Classification of the Goods

(a) Provide a description of the good and the HS tariff classification of the good to the 6-digit level. The description should be sufficient to relate it to the good covered by the certification; and3-28

(b) If the certification of origin covers a single shipment of a good, indicate, if known, the invoice number related to the exportation.

7. Origin Criterion: Specify the rule of origin under which the good qualifies.

8. Blanket Period: Include the period if the certification covers multiple shipments of identical goods for a specified period of up to 12 months as set out in Article 3.20.4 (Claims for Preferential Treatment).

9. Authorised Signature and Date: The certification must be signed and dated by the certifier and accompanied by the following statement:

“I certify that the goods described in this document qualify as originating and the information contained in this document is true and accurate. I assume responsibility for proving such representations and agree to maintain and present upon request or to make available during a verification visit, documentation necessary to support this certification.”

Once your CPTPP Certificate of Origin is complete, the Essex Chambers of Commerce can authenticate the authorised signature if required.

View the relevant section on claiming preferential origin of the trade agreement here

View the full CPTPP Agreement here

Please Note: The links to the CPTPP text will redirect to the New Zealand government website. As CPTPP depositary, New Zealand maintains all the authentic text of legal documents relating to the CPTPP.

For further information or assistance with applying for CPTPP certificates of origin, please get in touch with the International Trade Team

Join our Understanding the CPTTP Webinar to find out more

Join us for an insightful Understanding the CPTPP Webinar, where our expert will break down how this agreement can help your business expand, reduce tariffs, and streamline trade processes.

Why CPTPP Matters for Your Business

Tariff-Free Trade – Over 99% of UK goods exports to CPTPP countries will be eligible for tariff-free trade.
Easier Digital Trade & Services – Stronger protections for e-commerce and intellectual property.
Diverse Market Expansion – Reach new customers in Asia, North America, and South America.
SME Support – Simplified trade rules to help small and medium-sized businesses expand globally.

Date: Tuesday 17 June 2.00pm - 3.00pm
Platform: Zoom
Cost: FREE for Members - Non-Members £25.00 + VAT