FTA 교차누적조항의 해석에 관한 연구: 한국 수출기업들의 이행방안을 중심으로

A Study on Interpretation of Cross-cumulation Clauses in FTAs: Focusing on Implications for Korean Exporting Firms

The Korea-Canada FTA and the EVTA have adopted cross-cumulation clauses in their rules of origin, aiming at the enhancement of the value chains among the FTA parties. In fact, intricate rules of origin are often considered as the major cause that discourages the utilization of the agreement for the exporting firms. From this perspective, the correct understanding of cross-cumulation clauses in FTAs is an urgent mission for the Korean exporters as well, and the EVTA, which has recently introduced the cross-cumulation method in a linkage with the Korea-EU FTA provides the timely motivation. This paper first analyzes the Korea-Canada FTA of 2015 as for the case study, because this is a unique trade agreement for Korea that has already adopted the cross-cumulation clauses. It is concluded that the clause is rather vague, particularly in certifying the origins of the intermediate goods from the territory of an authorized third party. From this perspective, the recently-ratified EVTA is particularly important and meaningful with its clearer explanations for the utilization of the privileged rules of origin. The paper finalizes the study by making policy suggestions to the stakeholders, expecting more future FTAs to come equipped with similar cumulative rules of origin, and implies the possibility of the modification of the current clauses in the FTA with Canada.