Free Trade Agreement (FTA)
A commercial treaty between two or more countries reducing or eliminating customs duties and trade barriers on traded goods.
Free Trade Agreement (FTA / FTA)
A free trade agreement is an international treaty by which two or more countries agree to reduce or eliminate customs duties and other trade barriers on all or part of their trade in goods and, often, services.
EU FTA Network
The EU has one of the most extensive networks of trade agreements in the world, covering more than 70 countries: CETA (Canada), JEFTA (Japan), EU-South Korea FTA, EU-Vietnam FTA, EU-Singapore FTA, EU-Mercosur Agreement (under ratification), Association Agreements (Ukraine, Georgia, Moldova), EPA (Africa, Caribbean, Pacific) and EU-UK (TCA).
Profit conditions
To benefit from the reduced duties of an FTA, the goods must comply with the rules of origin of the agreement and be accompanied by a valid proof of origin (EUR.1, declaration of origin, REX certificate of origin).
Modern content of FTAs
Recent agreements go beyond customs duties and cover services, investment, public procurement, intellectual property, sustainable development, digital and health standards.
Strategic impact
Knowledge of the FTAs in force is a major competitive lever. An importer who does not claim the preferences to which he is entitled pays duties unnecessarily.