RESTRICTED  WORLD TRADE  
ORGANIZATION  G/RO/M/50 
29 May 2008 
 (08-2516) 
Committee on Rules of Origin  
  
 
MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF 24 APRIL 2008 
 
Chairperson:  Ms. Vera Thorstensen
 
 
Subjects Discussed  
 
I. REPORT OF THE WORK OF THE TECHNICAL COMMITTEE ON RULES 
OF ORIGIN...................................................................................................................... .........1  
II. TECHNICAL ISSUES IN THE H ARMONIZATION WORK PROGRAMME 
(JOB(07)/84/REV.1, G/RO/W/111/REV. 1, G/RO/W/112-119) – REPORTING 
OF THE INFORMAL CONSULTATIONS...........................................................................2  
III. NOTIFICATIONS UNDER ARTICLE 5 AND PARAGRAPH 4 OF ANNEX II 
OF THE AGREEMENT ON RULES OF ORIGIN ............................................................12  
IV. ELECTION OF OFFICERS..................................................................................................12  
V. THAILAND – IMPLEMENTATION  BY ARGENTINA OF ITS 
COMMITMENT ON RULES OF ORIGIN.........................................................................12  
VI. DATES FOR THE NEXT MEETING..................................................................................13  
 
 
I. REPORT OF THE WORK OF THE TEC HNICAL COMMITTEE ON RULES OF 
ORIGIN 
Non-preferential rules of origin  
 1.1 The Technical Committee on Rules of Origin (TCRO) held its 26th Session on 28 and 29 January 2008 at WCO Headquarters in Brussels,  chaired by Mrs. L. Ghrairi (Morocco). 
 1.2 As part of its permanent responsibilities, th e TCRO adopted its Ninth Periodic Report and its 
Ninth Annual Review on technical aspects of th e implementation of the WTO Agreement for the 
period from 1 January to 31 December 2007.  1.3 During this Session, the WTO representativ e reported on the work carried out by your 
Committee in 2007, especially the discussions focusing on machinery and the implication issues.  The 
WTO representative informed the TCRO that gui dance from the General Council was now warranted 
on how to take these issues forward.  He added that the work on these issu es had been suspended until 
such guidance from the General Council would be forthcoming and that the General Council had 
agreed that, in the meantime, the CRO would continue  its work with a view to resolving as soon as 
possible all technical issues, including the t echnical aspects of the overall architecture. 
 1.4 The Technical Committee took careful note of  all this information and recalled that the 
Customs community was poised to prepare for th e practical implementation of the WTO Agreement G/RO/M/50 
Page 2  
 
  on Rules of Origin and, when the time comes, to u ndertake the technical work likely to be asked of it 
by the CRO.  Preferential rules of origin
 
 
1.5 The WCO Secretariat informed the TCRO on the launch of a comparative study on existing 
preferential rules of origin in which the existi ng rules and administrative arrangements would be 
examined with a view to increase the level of support and understanding of ROO in general, 
identifying and establishing standards and best pr actices for WCO Members. The Secretariat pointed 
out that the survey would be based on the prospec tive development of a database on preferential rules 
of origin and also stressed the complexity of such a task. 
 Technical assistance activities 
 
 1.6 The WCO Secretariat undertook two technical assistance activities relating to the 
harmonization of non-preferential rules of origin and the main characteris tics of the prefer ential rules.  
A national seminar was held in Vietnam in Nove mber 2007 and a regional seminar was organized in 
Burkina Faso for the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA) in the beginning of 
April 2008.  
 
Other information
 
 
1.7 The  TCRO instructed the WCO Secretariat to prepare a draft Recommendation on Binding 
Origin Information (advanced rulings) without challenging possible procedures which had already 
been established by some Members. 
 
1.8 The TCRO elected Mr. Liu Ping (People’s Republic of China) as Chairperson and Ms. K.J.B. 
Kawanda (Democratic Republic of the Congo) as Vice-Chairperson for the year 2009. 
 
1.9 The World Customs Organization now has 172 Members, with the Republic of Djibouti 
becoming a Member of the Organization on 19 March 2008.  
1.10 The CRO took note
 of the report and expressed appreciation for the TCROs continued 
valuable work.  
II. TECHNICAL ISSUES IN THE HARMONIZATION WORK PROGRAMME 
(JOB(07)/84/REV.1, G/RO/W/111/REV.1, G/RO/W/112-119) – REPORTING OF THE 
INFORMAL CONSULTATIONS 
2.1 The Chairperson noted that the Secretariat had circulated documents G/RO/W/111/Rev.1, 
112-119.  Japan also provided its comment on doc ument G/RO/W/111/Rev.1 before this meeting, 
which is electronically available through the Secretariat. 
2.2 She also noted that the General Council, at its meeting on 27 July 2007, recognized that the 
delegations in the CRO felt that the difficulties th ey had encountered on the "implications" issue and 
in the sector of machinery was such that guida nce from the General Council was now warranted, on 
how to take these issues forward.  However, th e General Council also agreed that, the in the 
meantime, the CRO continue its work with a view  to resolving all technical issues, including the 
technical aspects of the overall architecture, as soon as possible. 
2.3 Based on the informal consultations the Chai rperson had held with Members concerned, the 
Chairperson stated as follows:  G/RO/M/50 
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  A. OVERALL ARCHITECTURE 
1. Preamble concerning food labelling  
Some delegations stated that the preamble concerning food labelling should remain in the 
consolidated text.  It was noted that a part of preamble concerned the implications issue and 
that as soon as the General Council would provide us some guidance on this matter, the 
Secretariat would circulate the revised cons olidated text which includes the preamble. 
 
2. Scope of application  
It was noted that the scope of application shoul d be restored in the consolidated text as soon 
as the General Council would provide its guidance. 
 
3. General Rule 6  
(a) One delegation supported the addition of a (bracketed) expression at the beginning of 
this paragraph with a minor correction of "on" at the second line to read "or".  This addition is justified taking into account th e necessity of counting cost of services 
incurred by the enumerated operations from (i) to (iii) as part of "added value" when 
the value-added rules are applied under the HRO.  He noted that the CRO and, the 
TCRO in the past, had tried not to enumerate a list of minimal operations or processes due to the fact that the list with its "gener al and conceptual" nature might jeopardize the 
application of carefully worded  product-specific rules.  For instance, the drying of fish 
is recognized as a substantial transformati on under the Matrix rule, but it may be 
considered to be "ensuring preservation of  goods in good condition for the purposes of 
storage".  Therefore, the delegation suggest ed that the expression "whether a good has 
been wholly obtained in one country" should remain with brackets, and that the one "the origin of a good" be deleted, until we a ll have a crystal clear idea of the scope of 
this provision. 
(b) Another delegation stated that the provi sion of minimal operations and processes are 
usually applied to both appendices 1 and 2 in most preferential rules of origin.  In the case of the definitions of the goods who lly obtained, the definitions themselves 
designate the country of origin of a good,  and therefore the provisions of minimal 
operations and processes may not be needed for Appendix 1. 
 
4. Appendix 1 – Definition 2
 
(a) One delegation stated that the word "en titled" in Definition 2(a) ("Products of sea-
fishing and other products taken from the sea outside a country are considered to be wholly obtained in the countr y whose flag the vessel that carries out those operations is 
entitled to fly"), indicated some openness to the link between the vessel and its flag.  
She preferred a slight change to "... in the c ountry of the flag of the vessel that carries 
out those operations".  She also suggested the same changes to be made in definition 
2(b). 
(b) One delegation questioned whether or not the new proposal would really tighten the 
link between the vessel and its flag. 
(c) One delegation stated that Definition 2 seeks to attribute origin to products of sea-
fishing obtained "outside a country", without addressing the origin of such products 
obtained "within" a country.  The fact that there is no definition of "country" means G/RO/M/50 
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  that it is impossible to determine clearly whether the term covers the exclusive 
economic zone and the continental shelf of a State.  As a result, the proposals in the document are imprecise and incomplete, since they do not establish criteria that would 
enable origin to be attributed withou t ambiguity to catches from the exclusive 
economic zone or the continental shelf of a coastal State.  Consequently, he advocated 
an approach in which, in a coastal state, origin is attributed without ambiguity to 
products wholly obtained from the exclusiv e economic zone and the continental shelf 
of that State.  It is essential in this connecti on to ensure that there is a proper correlation 
between the law of the sea and the WTO rules of  origin.  It was also noted that origin 
allocation is arranged for the coastal state fo r the purpose of the full utilization of fish 
quota. 
(d) Some delegations stated that it appeared at this stage almost impossible to reach 
consensus on this issue;  and that theref ore the status quo should be maintained. 
 5. Appendix 2
 
 
(a) At Chair's request, a delegation has provided a new text of rules of Appendix 2.  Many 
delegations thanked him for his effort and welcomed the new  text as a simpler and 
clearer version of the current text.  The Chai r person stated that she would continue her 
consultation on the new text with delegations  concerned and would circulate the results 
of consultation as soon as possible. 
(b) Appendix 2, Rule 2(d ), many delegations welcomed the addition of the new expression 
"or putting up for retail sale" at subparagraph (ii) .  This is justifiable by the fact that the 
CRO has consistently excepted "a change fro m putting up for retail sale" from relevant 
tariff shift rules in the Matrix.  It was also noted that an addition of the term "tariff" 
before the term "classifica tion" would improve the text.  Therefore, the rule should 
read: 
"(d) Where the primary rules require a change in tariff  classification, the following 
changes in tariff  classification shall not be c onsidered in determining the 
origin of the good: ..." 
(c) Appendix 2, Rule 2(f ), many delegations supported the insertion of the new expression 
"in the last country of production".   
(d) Appendix 2, Rule 3, Primary Rules, subparagraph (b ), the term "rule" should read 
"rules". 
 
B. TERMINOLOGY  GUIDE 
 
It was noted that CTSH should be inserted under 1(a). 
 
C. CHAPTER NOTES 
  Chapter 1
 
 
It was noted that Note on pure-bred breeding animals should be inserted in the matrix. 
  G/RO/M/50 
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   Chapter 2  
One delegation stated that they did not support the Chair's proposal for the slaughtering issue, 
and therefore the square brackets in "Chapter r esidual rule applicable to mixtures" should not 
be removed.  
 Chapter 3
 
It was suggested that "Definition salted fish" should be deleted and th at the reference of 
"primary rules" for heavy salted fish should read "Definition".  
 Chapter 4-24
 
It was suggested that the square brackets in "C hapter residual rule applicable to mixtures" 
should be dropped.  
 Chapter 15
 
(a) It was suggested that Chapter Note 1 (Defin ition of the term "refining") should read as 
follows:  "Refining (chemically of physically ) is defined as the following operations all 
of which shall be carried out on crude oils in a single country: 
 - neutralization...". 
(b) One delegation proposed changing the Chapter Note 1 as follows: "Refining 
(chemically or physically) is considered to have occurred only if all the following 
operations have been carried out on crude oils in a single country". 
 
 Chapter 16  
It was suggested to drop the square brackets in Chapter Note. 
 
 Chapter 25  
It was suggested to drop the square bracket s in "Residual rule for subheadings 2523.21-
2523.90";  and it was suggested that this rule should be inserted in the matrix.    Criteria to apply Appendix 2,  Rule 3(f)
 
 (a) One delegation supported the weight crite ria for Chapter 25, 26, 28-83;  and they 
supported the value criteria for Chapter 91-97.  In addition, they mentioned the 
criteria should be single unit for not to allow choosing the country of origin. 
(b) The value criteria was suggested  for Chapters 82, 83 and 91. 
(c) It was suggested that for chemicals (Chs. 28-40), volume criteria for liquid and 
gaseous goods and weight for other goods. 
(d) One delegation supported the value criteria for Chs. 28, 29 and 39. 
 G/RO/M/50 
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  (e) One delegation stated that due to the re cent rapid development of technology, weight 
criteria becomes less important than value criteria;  and that therefore we should 
carefully reconsider the weight criteria for all chapters. 
 Criteria to apply Appendix 2,  Rule 6
 
 
One delegation supported the weight criteria for Chapter 50-63.  In addition, they mentioned 
that the criteria should be a single unit for not to allow choosing the country of origin.  
 Packing for retail sale for chemicals
 
It was suggested that the provisions for "packi ng for retail sale" for chemical chapters should 
be dropped, since the provision is already covered in the overall architecture.   
 Chapter 30
 
 
(a) One delegation strongly supported Note 7 of Chapter 30 (Non-origin conferring 
process). 
 (b) One delegation suggested dropping the reference "[Except for goods of heading 
30.03] in Chapter Note 2 of Chapter 30. 
 
D. PRODUCT-SPECIFIC RULES OF ORIGIN 
Chapter 1
 
 The Secretariat was requested to redraft the rul es of headings 01.01-01.06 in order to reflect 
appropriately the rules on pure-bred breeding animals in the matrix. 
 
Chapter 2
 
 (a) Some delegations confirmed their position that slaughtering is non-origin conferring. 
 (b) As concerns split headings ex 0209(a) (dri ed fig fat, etc.) and 0210(a) (dried meat), 
one Member changed its positio n in order to join the Chair's position.  It was 
suggested to drop the square brackets in headings 02.09 and 02.10. 
 Chapter 3
 
 
(a) It was suggested that the square bracket s in headings 03.02 and 03.03 should be 
dropped. 
 (b) It was suggested that splits should be fu rther made for dried fish and heavy salted 
fish. 
 
(c) As concerns split heading ex 03.04(c)  (Obtaining fish meat), one delegation 
confirmed their origin-conferring (CTH) position. 
 Chapter 4
 
 
(a) As concerns split heading ex 04.03(b) (cur dled milk, etc.), one delegation confirmed 
their non-origin conferring position.  Another delegation recalled that the Chair's  G/RO/M/50 
 Page 7 
 
 
  proposal is a compromise package, and th at they joined to the proposal very 
reluctantly. 
 (b) As concerns split heading ex 04.06(a ) (processed cheese), one delegation confirmed 
their non-origin conferring position.  A nother delegation confirmed their origin 
conferring position. 
 (c) As concerns split heading ex 04.08(a) (d ried eggs), one delegation confirmed their 
non-origin conferring position. 
 
Chapter 7
 
 As concerns split heading ex 07.12(b) (freeze- dried vegetables and fruits), one delegation 
changed their position in order to join the Chai r's proposal.  Some delegations stated that by 
defreezing the freezed good can be easily returned to  the original state, and that the Chair's 
proposal should be changed.   
 Chapter 9
 
 (a) As concerns split heading ex 0901.22( b) (roasted decaffeinated coffee), one 
delegation suggested a rule "CTSH, excep t from subheading 0901.21".  The Chair 
requested the delegation to check whether decaffeination is feasible from already 
roasted coffee. 
 (b) As concerns heading 09.02, there was a ty pographical error.  The rule should read 
"the origin shall be the co untry where the plant grew". 
 
Chapter 15
 
 (a) As concerns heading 15.07, there was a typographic error:  the rule of this heading 
should read [CTH]. 
 
(b) One delegation questioned whether it is necessary to include the Chapter Note on 
"Chemical reaction" because "CTH and change by chemical reaction" are essentially the same thing for the headings under discu ssion.  The rule for headings 15.16 and 
15.18 should simply be CC or CTH. 
 
(c) One delegation stated that they still su pport a "CTH" only for headings 15.08, 15.11, 
15.12, 15.14 and 15.15. 
 Chapter 16
 
 (a) It was suggested to drop all existing s quare brackets in headings of Chapter 16. 
 
(b) It was suggested that all references of  "Chapter Note" in the matrix should be 
dropped, because these additional refere nces could possibly cause some unnecessary 
confusions. 
 
Chapter 18
 
 One delegation stated that subheading 1806.31, 32 and 90 (chocolate) should be CTH.   G/RO/M/50 
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  Chapter 21
 
 (a) As concerns heading 21.01, one delegation stated that obtaining preparations with 
basis of extracts, etc. of tea or maté s hould be considered as the last substantial 
transformation because it requires not only adding preservatives but also thermal 
process such as pasteurization as well as de liberate and controlled mixing to satisfy 
the specification of pH, acidity, sweetness, colour, thickness, turbidity and viscosity. 
 (b) As concerns subheading 2106.90, one dele gation proposed that this item covers also 
preparations, often referred to as food supplements, based on extracts from plants, 
fruit concentrates, fructose, etc. and containing specific chemical/pharmaceutical 
elements/ingredients such as added vitami ns, minutes quantities of iron compounds, 
etc.  These preparations are often put up in  packaging with indications/claims that 
they maintain general health or well-being.   These preparations are mainly produced 
by companies working in the pharmaceutical/ nutritional sector. 
 Due to the fact that the said pr eparations are containing specific 
chemical/pharmaceutical elements, he would like to propose the following rule for 
Chapter 21: 
  ex 2106  Preparations, often referred to as food supplements: 
 
2106.90 - Other As specified for split subheading 
 
  Change in particle size  
  [The deliberate and controlled modification in particle size of a good, other than by 
merely crushing or pressing, resulting in a good having a defined particle size, defined 
particle size distribution or defined surface area, which are relevant to the purposes of 
the resulting good and have different physical or chemical characteristics from the input materials is considered to be origin conferring.] 
 Chapter 22
 
 
(a) As concerns subheading 2202.90 (non-alc oholic beverage), one  delegation supported 
the Chair's proposal "CTH", whereas another delegation supported "CTH, except from Chapter 4, 20 and 21". 
(b) As concerns heading 22.04, one dele gation supported a non-orgininating rule.  
Another delegation commented that the rule for subheading 2204.30 (other grape 
must) should be "CTH". 
(c) One delegation stated that the rule for subheading 2207.10 should be "CTH, except 
from heading 22.08", because it is quite a simp le operation.  It is a technical issue, 
maintaining the question of consistency which rule for heading ex 22.08(a). 
 Chapter 30
 
 
(a) One Member supported the Chair's proposal for headings  30.03, 30.04 and 
subheading 3006.30. 
 (b) One delegation proposed amending Paragr aph 1 of Chapter 30 residual rule as 
follows:  G/RO/M/50 
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(1) "Goods of headings 30.03 and 30. 04 produced by mixing or otherwise 
combining materials of different orig ins, originate in the country that 
produced the therapeutic or prophylactic materials (disregarding solvents and 
other non-active additives) that predomin ate by total value of materials and 
related processing activity, over those of each other single country." 
(2) He proposed the same resi dual rule for goods of 30.02. 
 
Chapter 39  
 As concerns headings 39.22, 39.25 and 39.26, one Member supported CTH, because CTH and 
the de minimis rule prevents the use of nuts, bolts and gaskets from resulting in a change of 
tariff classification. 
 
Chapter 40
 
 It was suggested to add "[See Chapter Note 2] " to rule "CTH, except from heading 40.01" for 
subheading 4002.80. 
 
Chapter 58
 
 As concerns split heading ex 58.11(b), one delega tion changed its position in order to join the 
Chair's proposal.  
Chapter 63
 
 It was noted that splits for quilted products of h eadings 63.02 - 63.04 should be made (Rule:  
CTH, except from heading 58.11 or subheading 6307.90).  
Chapter 67
 
 It was confirmed that the primary rule of ex 6702(b) is "CTH".  Chapter 69
 
 
As concerns heading 69.08, it was suggested th at the brackets in "CTH, except from heading 
69.07" should be dropped.  Chapter 70
 
 
As concerns heading 70.05, it was suggested  to drop the brackets in "CTH, except from 
headings 70.03 and 70.04".  Chapter 72
 
 
(a) As concerns split heading ex. 72.12(b) (c oated flat-rolled product of less than 600 
mm), one delegation proposed changing "[CTHS]" to "CTHS, except from heading 72.10".  It was noted that the Chair' s proposal was the compromised packages. 
 (b) As concerns heading 72.23, one delega tion proposed changing to "CTH".  It was 
noted that cold rolling was recognized as origin conferring. 
 G/RO/M/50 
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  Chapters 78 and 79
 
 It was noted that CTHS rule in heading 78.05  and 79.06 should be relocated at split heading 
level.  
Chapter 84
 
 As concerns headings 84.07 and 84.08, one de legation suggested changing from "35 %" value 
added rule to "45 %" value added rule.  
Machinery 
 
 As concerns the optional dual rules on machin ery, one delegation proposed that not only 
automobiles but also headings 85.17 (tele phone), 85.25-85.28 (transmission apparatus for 
radio-telephony), and 85.43 (electrical mach ines having individual functions) should be 
allowed to choose value added rule. 
 Chapter 85
 
 As concerns heading 85.41 and subheadings 8542.12, 30, 40, 50 and 90, one delegation 
supported the diffusion rule for monolithic integrat ed circuits, final assemb ly rule for heading 
85.41, and assembly rule for remaining semi-conductors. 
 Chapter 87
 
 As concerns heading 87.08 (parts of autom obiles), one delegation proposed as follows:   
 
Description of Goods Origin Criteria (3) Origin Criteria (4) 
Anti-slid Brake System(ABS) CTH 45% value-added rule 
Electronic Power Steering(EPS) CTH 45% value-added rule 
 
 
Chapter 94  
 (a) As concerns headings 94.01 (seats) a nd 94.03 (other furniture), one delegation 
changed its position to join consensus (CTH, or change from 9401.90 / 9403.90 
provided one essential part of the furniture is  already originating).  But he enquired a 
clear definition of "essential part".   
 (b) As concerns heading 9404.90 (articles of bedding etc.), one delegation supported 
CTH, since it is difficult to accept a measure limiting the types of materials that can 
be used to produce these goods because manuf acturers must tailor their products to 
the need of users. 
 (c) As concerns subheading 9405.10-60, one  delegation confirme d its position (CTSH). 
   G/RO/M/50 
 Page 11 
 
 
  2.4 The representative of Australia  stated that there was a significant number of scheduling 
clashes this week and that therefore they had been una ble to participate in the important work that had 
been going on in the informal m eetings these last couple of days. 
 2.5 The representative of New Zealand
 thanked the Chairperson for her report and the Secretariat 
for circulating the consolidated text and stated that they, like Australia and a number of other 
Members, were unable to attend most of the inform al consultations due to other commitments.  He 
wished to reaffirm that their position on the techni cal issues remained as prev iously articulated and 
recorded in the various documents including JOB(01)/ 52.  He added that his ability to give feedback 
to these technical issues was hampered by the lack of  clarity on the scope of the applications of the 
rules.  For that reason, they looked forward to the Chair of the General Council's consultation on the 
implications issues.  But in the meantime, he also wished to make clear that New Zealand didn't want 
to stand in the way of other Members discussing tec hnical issues if they were in a position to do so. 
 2.6 The representative of Honduras
 thanked the Chairperson for her hard work and the Secretariat 
for circulating documents G/RO/W/111/Rev.1.  He understood that this was a compromise solution to 
try to make some headway in these negotiations and found that the work of the CRO had taken into 
account the provision of Article 9 of the Agreement on Rules of Origin because rules of origin should 
be prepared and applied in a predictable, impartial,  consistent and neutral manner.  With regard to 
document G/RO/W/111/Rev.1, he made the following comments: 
 (1) It was necessary to have this docum ent in Spanish.  Honduras was trying to 
understand the changes that had been introdu ced to make sure that their concerns 
were duly covered in this document.  They  had to reserve their positions until they 
would understand that this compromise solu tion would represent a true balance for all 
Members concerned; and  
 (2) Honduras was concerned with coffee, tex tiles, refining of oils and fats, and cocoa 
among others. 
 2.7 The representative of El Salvador
 thanked the Chair and the Secretariat for circulating the 
document.  She also requested the translation of the document and the summary of informal 
consultations in Spanish.  Bearing in mind that  this document was an extremely comprehensive 
version, her authorities would continue to assess this document and asked for more time to be able to 
submit their positions.  Since her delegation did not par ticipate in informal mee tings in this week and 
previous sessions, it was difficult for her to have the necessary information for their authorities in 
capital to be able to make a substantial contributi on to the discussions at these meetings.  She felt that 
it was important that the discussions of these documen ts be held within the Committee and the orderly 
session so that all of them had an opportunity to e xpress their views.  El Salvador maintained its 
position on the following matters, which were sensitiv e to them:  coffee, fats and certain textiles 
products.  2.8 The representative of Mexico
 stated that his capital was working with the industry in an 
attempt to bring flexibility to their position.  Th ey had taken note of the specific points which had 
been raised in connection with the new consensus.  However, it  seemed difficult to receive any 
instruction without solving the implications issue.   It seemed essential to know where the harmonized 
rules of origin would be used.   2.9 The representative of Guatemala
 stated that it had been taking a long time in capital to 
analyze document G/RO/W/111/Rev.1.  Guatemala still had concerns about the issue of coffee, palm 
oil and slaughtering, and Chapter Notes 1-24. 
 G/RO/M/50 
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  2.10 The representative of Cuba
 stated that her delegation  had submitted positions on certain 
products.  She, due to her inability to attend info rmal meetings, had difficulty in understanding what 
the CRO was doing.  She reserved Cuba's position on these matters.  2.11 The CRO took note
 of the report and expressed appreciation for the TCROs continued 
valuable work. 
 
III. NOTIFICATIONS UNDER ARTICLE 5 AND PARAGRAPH 4 OF ANNEX II OF THE 
AGREEMENT ON RULES OF ORIGIN  
3.1 The Chairperson  recalled that the Secretariat had not received any notification since the last 
meeting.  To date, 77 Members had made notifica tions of non-preferential rules of origin and 84 
Members had made notifications of preferential rules of origin.  3.2 The Chairperson
 expressed concern that a number of Members had not yet complied with the 
notification requirements.  She urged Members who had not yet notified to do so as early as possible. 
 
3.3 The CRO took note  of the statement made. 
 
IV. ELECTION OF OFFICERS 
4.1 The CRO re-elected  Ms. Vera Thorstensen (Brazil) as Chairperson and Mr. Yoshitomo 
Kondo (Japan) as Vice-Chairman of the CRO for 2008. 
 
4.2 The representative of Brazil  congratulated the Chairperson on her election.  Her appointment 
for yet another consecutive terms confirmed not on ly her outstanding qualifications but also the 
importance the whole Members attached to the continuing good work that had been done.  
4.3 The CRO took note
 of the statement made. 
 
V. THAILAND – IMPLEMENTA TION BY ARGENTINA OF ITS COMMITMENT ON 
RULES OF ORIGIN 
5.1 The representative of Thailand stated that Argen tina issued the certificate of origin procedures 
for the application and compliance of the terms of Section 5 of Resolution No. 763/96 from the 
Economy and Public Works and Services Ministry  on 26 June 2007.  A nd on 9 September 2007 
issued the order to initiate a non-preferential origin verification procedure, pursuant to the term of 
Resolution No. 437/2007 issued by the Economy and Pr oduction Minister.  Pursuant to this resolution 
requested a non-preferential origin verification pr ocedure for the air-conditioner equipments with a 
capacity of less than or equal to six thousand, five hundred (6,500) f/h;  cool only or heat and cool 
versions through a valve that reve rses the thermal cycle in-wall or  window, that constitute one body, 
with a device to change the air temperature;  separate units, split type, imported as a group through 
separate tariff heading, consisting of an internal unit or vaporizing unit, compact, pre-manufactured, with no cooling equipment, an exte rnal unit or condensing unit, with a heat compressor, included in 
the tariffs headings of the Common Nomenclature of the MERCOSUR (CNM) 8415.10.11, 8415.10.19, 8415.83.00, 8418.61.10 declared to be orig inal from Malaysia, Thailand and Viet Nam.  
In this respect, Thailand would like to seek clar ification from Argentina on its criteria in selecting 
which rule to apply under Section 5 of Resoluti on No. 437/2007:  changes in Tariff Classification 
(CTC) within heading 4 digits level or sub-heading 6 digit level or value-added criteria or any other 
rule to the above-mentioned air conditioner equi pments.  Notwithstanding, Thailand would like 
Argentina to enforce its national laws.  It was Thaila nd's view that this origin verification created an 
unnecessary burden for exporters to trade.   
  G/RO/M/50 
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  5.2 The representative of Argentina  thanked the delegation of Thaila nd, and stated that they had 
taken good note of the presentation just made by Thailand expressing its concerns, that they would 
send all of these concerns to their capital, and th at they would respond to Thailand once their experts 
would have looked at this in detail.  
5.3 The CRO took note
 of the statement made. 
 
VI. DATES FOR THE NEXT MEETING 
6.1 The Chairperson  suggested the following dates for the next meeting of the CRO: 
 
 - 22 and 23 July for informal meetings; 
 - 24 July for the formal meeting.   
__________