<h1>CAROTAR 2020: Importers Must Verify Country of Origin for Preferential Trade Rates, Protecting Domestic Industries from Unfair Practices.</h1> The Customs (Administration of Rules of Origin under Trade Agreements) Rules, 2020 (CAROTAR, 2020) were introduced to streamline the process of claiming preferential rates under trade agreements. Effective from September 21, 2020, these rules require importers to ensure that the country of origin criteria are met for goods to qualify for preferential treatment. Importers must possess detailed origin information and submit it to customs when requested. This initiative aims to prevent misuse of free trade agreements and ensure compliance with origin norms, thereby protecting domestic industries from unfair trade practices.