Brazil releases guides to help companies use Mercosur-EU trade agreement

Brazil’s Ministry of Development, Industry, Trade and Services (MDIC) released two new guides on Friday (June 26) to help Brazilian companies take advantage of opportunities created by the Mercosur-European Union agreement.

Prepared by the Foreign Trade Secretariat, Secex, the guides cover rules of origin and geographical indications, two key areas for exporters, producers, foreign trade operators and other companies seeking to access the benefits of the agreement.

“The entry into force of the Mercosur-European Union Agreement on May 1 opened a new stage for both government and companies. Given the scale and complexity of the agreement, MDIC is working to support the productive sector by offering information, guidance and permanent channels for dialogue so that companies can fully take advantage of the opportunities created by the deal,” said Foreign Trade Secretary Tatiana Prazeres.

The guides are written in accessible language and explain the main concepts, rules and procedures related to each topic.

The Rules of Origin Guide explains the criteria used to determine when a product can be considered as originating in Mercosur and therefore qualify for the tariff preferences negotiated under the agreement.

The publication covers product-specific requirements, qualification criteria, origin accumulation, minimum operations, proof of origin and procedures for issuing origin declarations and certificates.

The Geographical Indications Guide focuses on the protection system established by the agreement. It explains how mutual recognition of geographical indications between Mercosur and the European Union will work, including protection rules, exceptions negotiated by Brazil, transition periods for certain products, the relationship between trademarks and geographical indications, and opportunities for Brazilian products recognized by their place of origin.

The new publications are part of a broader set of measures adopted by MDIC since the Mercosur-EU agreement entered into force. The ministry says the goal is to support implementation, increase transparency and bring technical information closer to the private sector.

By making the rules easier to understand, the government hopes more Brazilian companies will be able to use the benefits negotiated between the two blocs.

Source: MDIC

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