ASEAN – Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership (AJCEP)

About this agreement

The ASEAN – Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership (AJCEP) eliminates tariffs for 84.5% of all tariff lines for Singapore’s originating exports to Japan. 
April 2008
Trade in Goods Chapter: Entry into force in April 2008
August 2020
Trade in Services Chapter: Entry into force only for Japan, Singapore, Thailand, Lao PDR, Myanmar and Vietnam
August 2020
Investment Agreement: Entry into force only for Japan, Singapore, Thailand, Lao PDR, Myanmar and Vietnam

Key benefits

  • Back-to-back shipment of goods within member countries
    AJCEP-originating goods that are brought into Singapore from member countries and re-exported within these countries, without any processing in Singapore, can enjoy tariff concessions. Originating products passing through Parties can also retain their originating status.
  • Third-party invoicing of goods
    Customs authorities in the importing countries may accept a Certificate of Origin when the sales invoice is issued from a different country or company exporting the originating goods in various sectors, provided that the good meets the necessary requirement. This invoice can come from countries that are not Parties to this Agreement.
  • Regional Cumulation
    Originating raw materials sourced from FTA Parties can be taken into account when assessing the origin criteria of the final product manufactured in Singapore.

Eligibility

Use the Tariff Finder to see if your product is eligible to enjoy this FTA's tariff concessions.


Alternatively, you can explore the following steps to check your eligibility.

  • Your product’s preferential rate
    Check the preferential rates for your product based on your region:
  • Your product’s rule of origin

    Rules of origin are a set of criteria which determine a product's originating status in each respective FTA.

    It is put in place to ensure that only goods originating from the FTA partner countries will benefit from tariff concessions.

    Is your product obtained/produced entirely within Singapore?
    Your product is considered wholly obtained in Singapore
    Does your product fall under the list of Product Specific Rules?
    Your product may be considered as originating from ASEAN-Japan region
    40% of its contents must originate from the ASEAN-Japan region
    OR
    non-originating raw materials must have undergone a change in the first 4 digits of the HS code from the finished good

Apply

Singapore Customs is the authorised body in Singapore for FTA Preferential Certificate of Origin (PCO) application.

If your product is eligible, follow these application steps to enjoy tariff concessions:
  1. Register your factory with Singapore Customs using the Manufacturer’s Application Form
  2. Submit the Manufacturing Cost Statement
  3. Apply for a Preferential Certificate of Origin (PCO)


The process from registration to receiving the PCO typically takes less than one month.

Learn more about the rules of PCO


Submit your application
Apply for a PCO with export permit under the ASEAN – Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership (AJCEP).

Resources


Need additional help?

For assistance, contact us at +65 6898 1800, reach us here or visit the SME Centres.

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