Glossary Term
Country of origin
The country of origin is the country where goods are wholly obtained or, for manufactured items, where they last underwent a substantial transformation that gives them their essential character; it establishes the economic nationality of the goods for customs purposes. For example, a T-shirt cut, sewn, and finished in Vietnam from imported fabric is treated as originating in Vietnam, which determines applicable tariffs, anti-dumping duties, and eligibility for preferential trade programs.