Following is a recent question asked by the CSCB regarding field 2 of the Origin Declaration, and CBSA’s response.

Q. What is the CBSA’s position or policy in situations where the Origin Declaration does not indicate the exporter’s customs authorization number? Will CBSA still recognize the Origin Declaration as adequate proof of origin for the Canadian importer to claim the benefits of CETA?

A. Field 5 of the origin declaration may be left blank where the exporter in Canada includes a Business Number or the exporter in the EU provides a Registered Exporter Number in Field 2 of the origin declaration. Where no number is provided in Field 2 of the origin declaration, the signature of the exporter must be provided in Field 5. To put it more simply, by placing a REX or Business Number in Field 2, the exporter is exempt from having to sign the declaration.

In other words, where the EU exporter elects to leave Field 2 blank, then Field 5 must be completed (i.e. contain the exporter’s signature) in order for the CBSA to consider the declaration to be valid.

Don’t hesitate to send your CETA questions to the CSCB at [email protected].