TM

Country of origin is the country where a product is manufactured, produced, or substantially transformed for customs purposes. It is not necessarily the country the goods were shipped from, exported through, or purchased from. For example, assembly or repackaging in another country may or may not change origin, depending on the product and the processing performed.

In a tariff-measure tracker, TM generally refers to a measure or tariff measure applied according to the relevant origin country and product classification. Origin helps determine which country-specific measures, trade programs, exclusions, or other requirements may apply. Common pitfalls include confusing the ship-from country with origin, relying on a supplier’s unsupported statement, treating minor processing as a change of origin, and overlooking different rules for particular products or trade agreements.

What to check

• Identify the product’s manufacturing steps and the countries where each step occurred.
• Determine the applicable customs origin rule for the product and check whether the processing qualifies as a substantial transformation or another required origin test.
• Keep supporting records, such as bills of materials, production descriptions, supplier declarations, and manufacturing documentation.
• Verify that the origin determination is consistent with the product’s tariff classification, marking requirements, and any applicable trade agreement rules.
• Check the official tariff-measure data for the product classification and origin country, and ask a customs broker or trade specialist to review uncertain or complex cases.