The Harmonization Work Programme (HWP)

Rules of origin must be transparent, non discriminatory and supported by advance assessments with independent review rights.

The Harmonization Work Programme sets a framework to harmonise rules of origin through general rules and three appendices covering wholly obtained goods, product rules based on substantial transformation, and minimal operations. During the transition, Members must ensure rules of origin are clearly defined, non discriminatory, not used to pursue trade objectives, administered consistently, based on a positive standard, published promptly, supported by advance assessments made publicly available subject to confidentiality protections, not applied retroactively, and reviewable by independent procedures.