Step-by-step guide for businesses using the CPTPP

The Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) is a free trade agreement between Canada and 10 other countries: Australia, Brunei, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore and Vietnam. The Agreement is in force for all 11 original signatories.

In 2023, CPTPP Parties signed an Accession Protocol with the United Kingdom (UK). The Protocol entered into force for the UK, Brunei, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, and Vietnam on December 15, 2024, and for Australia on December 24, 2024. The Protocol is not yet in force for Canada.

The CPTPP can help your business by:

• reducing or eliminating tariffs on eligible goods
• improving market access for some services
• opening government procurement opportunities in CPTPP member markets
• supporting temporary entry for certain business people and professionals

To benefit from the CPTPP, start by identifying your product’s Harmonized System (HS) code.

An HS code is the international number used to classify traded goods. All products are assigned an HS code under the World Customs Organization’s Harmonized System.

HS codes are organized as:

• Chapter (2 digits)
• Heading (4 digits)
• Subheading (6 digits)

HS codes are harmonized internationally up to the 6-digit level.

You need your product’s HS code (6 digits) to:

• check CPTPP tariff rates in your target market
• identify the CPTPP rule of origin that applies to your product
• complete CPTPP export documentation

• Canada Tariff Finder: Search for your product to identify its HS code and explore CPTPP tariff rates in your target market.
• Rules of Origin Facilitator: Use your HS code to find the CPTPP rule of origin that applies to your product (see Step 3).

If you are unsure of the correct classification, consider consulting:

• a licensed customs broker
• the customs authority in the destination market to request an advance ruling on the HS classification of the good
• a Trade Commissioner at a regional office who can provide a list of customs brokers

To qualify for CPTPP preferential tariff treatment, your goods must meet the CPTPP rules of origin. These rules determine whether a product can be considered “originating” under the Agreement.

The CPTPP rules of origin are found in Chapter 3 of the Agreement. Additional rules of origin related to textile and apparel goods can be found in Chapter 4.

Rules of origin vary by product and are based on how and where the good was produced.

In general, a good may qualify as originating if it is:

• wholly obtained in Canada (for example, grown, harvested or produced entirely in Canada)
• made entirely from materials that come from CPTPP countries where the Agreement is in force
• made using some materials from outside CPTPP countries, but still meets the specific rule of origin that applies to that product

Only goods that meet CPTPP rules of origin can benefit from reduced or eliminated tariffs under the Agreement.

To receive CPTPP tariff benefits, the importer must have a certification of origin demonstrating the goods meet CPTPP rules of origin.

Under the CPTPP:

• There is no prescribed template.
• The certification may appear on an invoice or any other document, in paper or electronic form.
• It may be completed by the exporter, producer, or importer.
• It does not require Government of Canada certification. 

The certification must contain the Minimum Data Requirements set out in Annex 3-B of Chapter 3 (Rules of Origin and Origin Procedures) of the CPTPP Agreement.

The certification must include:

• whether the certifier is the importer, exporter, or producer
• certifier contact information
• exporter information (if different from the certifier; exporter address in a CPTPP country)
• producer information (if different from the certifier or exporter; producer address in a CPTPP country
• importer information (if known; importer address in a CPTPP country)
• description of the good and HS code to the 6-digit level
• origin criterion
• blanket period (if covering multiple shipments of identical goods, up to 12 months)
• authorized signature and date, including the required certification statement

The certification is valid for one year from the date it is issued, or longer if permitted under the importing country’s laws.

CPTPP tariff benefits are only applied if the importer claims preferential tariff treatment at import.

The importer must have a valid certification of origin in their possession to claim preferential tariff treatment.

Importing customs authorities may verify the claim for preferential tariff treatment. Be prepared to provide documents or for the importing customs authority to undertake a site visit if needed.

• Provide the certification of origin to your importer (or customs broker).
• Confirm that the CPTPP preferential tariff claim will be made at import.
• Keep all records supporting the origin of your product in case of verification.

Reminder: Goods without a valid certification of origin will not benefit from CPTPP preferential tariffs.

Customs authorities may verify whether a good qualifies as originating under the CPTPP.

Under Article 3.26 (Record-Keeping Requirements) of the CPTPP, the exporter, producer or importer, if they certified the origin of the product, must keep records that support the certification of origin for at least 6 years from the date of certification.

Records may be kept in paper or electronic format, provided they can be retrieved promptly if requested.

• Keep records that support the originating status of your product (for example, production records, supplier information, and cost data).
• Retain the certification of origin
• Retain records related to the applicable HS classification.
• Be prepared to provide additional information if requested by customs authorities.

Maintaining clear and organized records will help you respond quickly during a verification and reduce the risk of denied preferential tariff treatment.

If you need support:

• contact a Trade Commissioner for guidance on exporting to CPTPP markets and using tariff benefits
• consult the CPTPP text and annexes for detailed legal requirements, including rules of origin and certification of origin procedures
• refer to Canada Border Services Agency resources for export and customs-related information