ADB-UNCTAD Rules of Origin Forum

ADB-UNCTAD Rules of Origin Forum

Advancing Convergence and Simplification of Rules of
Origin in Asia and the Pacific

Manila, 11-12 November 2025

Background and Rationale

Rules of Origin (RoO) are critical in determining the eligibility of goods for preferential market access under Free Trade Agreements (FTAs). Yet, Asia and the Pacific is characterized by a proliferation of overlapping FTAs, each with its own set of Product-Specific Rules of Origin (PSROs) and Operational Certification Procedures (OCPs). This “noodle bowl” of RoO regimes generates significant compliance costs for firms, complicates supply chain operations, and limits the full utilization of FTAs. To address this challenge, the Asian Development Bank (ADB), in partnership with UNCTAD, has carried out a series of analytical studies mapping and comparing PSROS and OCPs across RCEP, ATIGA, CPTPP, and ASEAN+1 FTAs. These studies reveal both substantial convergence potential in PSROs and scope for adopting best practices in OCPs, such as self-certification.

Building on this evidence-based research tested in a series of stakeholders’ events, ADB and UNCTAD have been developing sector-specific recommendations and legal drafting options for PSRO at subheading level to foster convergence and trade facilitating practices. This applied work is aimed at providing policymakers and negotiators with a toolbox to streamline RoO provisions across FTAs. The latest research covers:

A systematic sub-heading level mapping of PSROs across major Asian FTAs.
Identification of sectors with convergence, partial convergence, and divergence of PSROs, linked to trade volumes.
A comprehensive annex of over 5,000 sector-specific PSRO options for convergence across FTAs that governments can progressively adopt.

Organized by ADB and UNCTAD in collaboration with the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Support Unit, the Forum is designed to move from analysis to practical adoption of trade facilitating PSROs in convergent sectors. For the first time, negotiators will have access to ready-to-use options that can inform FTA revisions, new negotiations, and domestic policy updates.

Objectives of the Forum

The Rules of Origin Forum aims to:

Present PSROs reform options developed by ADB/UNCTAD to foster convergence and trade facilitation practices, tailored to ASEAN and RCEP contexts.
Facilitate dialogue on adoption of streamlined PSROs in identified convergent sectors, where possible, and narrow divergence among PSROs, identifying legal drafting options and sector-specific approaches.
Encourage regional convergence by identifying areas where governments can move quickly toward streamlined and simplified RoO.
Strengthen the link between research and negotiation practice, ensuring that evidence-based options support trade facilitation.

Format and Participants

The Forum will be organized over two days with plenary and technical sessions. It will combine the presentation of concrete options with interactive discussions to refine and facilitate their use.

Participants will include:

Chief negotiators and technical experts from RCEP Participating Countries.
Regional and international organizations (RCEP Support Unit (RSU), UNCTAD, WTO, WCO, APEC, JETRO).
Private sector representatives from sectors most affected by RoO complexity (textiles, electronics, automotive, agrifood).
Academic experts and practitioners contributing comparative insights and international best practices.

Expected Outcomes

By the end of the Forum, participants will have:

A clear understanding of sector-specific PSROs options that can be adopted to foster convergence and narrow, where possible, divergence of PSROs in future negotiations, general reviews, or revisions of PSROs.
Consensus on priority areas for immediate reform and a roadmap for further convergence.
Stronger alignment between technical research and ongoing ASEAN and RCEP trade processes.

Way Forward

The Rules of Origin Forum marks the transition from research to reform in practice. By equipping negotiators with actionable options and adoption pathways, it will support governments in simplifying RoO regimes, enhancing FTA utilization, and strengthening regional supply chains.

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