EU-Japan EPA: how to determine the rule of origin for Footwear?

To benefit from the Japan-EU EPA preferential tariff rates, the product needs to be originating in either Japan or the EU. To be deemed originating, the product needs to comply with the provisions set on the deal under Chapter 3 Section A (Rules of origin) and the Product Specific Rules (Annexes 3-A, 3-B, Appendix 3-B-1). 

In a nutshell, under the deal it is determined that the exporters in the EU and in Japan can self-certify that their product is originating by making a statement on origin. This statement shall be made on an invoice or on any commercial document. It shall describe the goods considered originate with sufficient detail to allow for their clear identification. The commercial document where the certificate of origin is issued shall also explicitly identify the exporter, which means that no statements on origin made in a separate document are accepted, and only the use of commercial documents is admitted.

In the EU, exporters need to be registered in the REX system (Registered Exporter system) and the REX number should be indicated on the text of the Statement of Origin. There is no need to be registered when the value of consignments is below 6 000 euros. For the Japanese exporter, this will be the Japan Corporate Number. Where the exporter has not been assigned a number, this field may be left blank.

To get more information and the agreement between the European Union and Japan and to obtain the English Version of the Text of the Statement of Origin - access the document European Union-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement: A Guide for Footwear Companies.