Origin Standard of Products
Introduction
With the rapid advancements in globalization, the import and export of goods has increased significantly. To ensure safety of the consumers, governments in numerous countries have imposed more stringent regulations to regulate the origination of products. The objective is to ensure that products making its way into the country meet at least the minimum standards and regulations. Various countries have set their own standards for products being imported or exported from its borders. Moreover, these standards can drastically vary from country to country, which is further complicated by the origination of some of these products. This document attempts to provide a background information about origin standards for products and its various implications for businesses.
What is Product Origin Standard?
Origin standard refers to the requirements set by government agencies or international organizations like World Trade Organization (WTO) in order to regulate the origin of products. It is applicable to those products which are being imported or exported in different countries across the world. Origin standard of a product is defined differently in different countries. For example, in some countries it requires manufacturing of a product to take place within its borders while some others may set origin standards that require certain parts of the product or certain steps of its manufacturing process to take place within its borders. Such origin standards are enforced so as to protect domestic industries and provide jobs by ensuring that certain products are manufactured in the country.
What Are the Implications of Product Origin Standard for Businesses?
Origin standards for products have various implications for businesses across the world. First and foremost, the origin standard can be a major factor in deciding whether to move a manufacturing operation from one country to another. In case of countries with stringent origin standard, relocating production can be a very costly affair as companies may have to invest substantially in new machinery and equipment to meet the new standard. Moreover, businesses exporting certain products may have to establish new production line or facility in the country in order to satisfy the origin standards set any of the target countries.
Apart from the cost of production, organizations might have to face various other trade barriers such as tariffs and complicated customs procedure when exporting products to countries with stringent origin standards. Moreover, companies with larger production facilities in one country might be at a competitive disadvantage when entering into new markets industry as it may take time for them to meet the origin standards in those countries.
Conclusion
Origin standards for products have drastic implications for international business in terms of cost and time to enter new market. Companies might have to incur significant costs in order to satisfy the various origin standards set by the different countries. Moreover, organizations may have to face various trade barriers when exporting its products to countries with stringent origin standard. Therefore, companies should conduct a thorough analysis of the origin standards in each of the target markets in order to be successful in their international ventures.