Goods seeking preferential treatment under JAEPA must be accompanied by appropriate documentation. There are two options to do this.

Certificates of Origin

Certificates of Origin (COOs) are one means of demonstrating the originating status of your goods. COOs can be obtained from organisations authorised by the Australian or Japanese Governments.

For Australian exporters, the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), the Australian Industry Group (Ai Group), International Export Certification Services (IECS) and TradeWindow Origin (TWO) are authorised to issue COOs. Charges will apply.

Origin Certification Documents

Alternatively, an importer, exporter or producer may choose to complete an Origin Certification Document (OCD). This is often referred to as self-certification.

An OCD may be in any format but must, as a minimum, include information under five different headings ('data elements') to enable customs authorities to assess the goods. These data elements are set out in JAEPA Annex 3 [DOCX] and as an annex to this document. To assist traders, a 'sample' OCD has been agreed by Australia and Japan [DOCX].

Both COOs and OCDs remain valid for a year, and apply to a single consignment.

Exporters or producers must maintain all records necessary to demonstrate goods' origin for five years from the date the COO is signed or the OCD is completed.

The best place to start is to read the four steps in DFAT's Guide to using JAEPA to export or import goods.