한국 FTA 원산지규정의 비교와 국내기업의 FTA 활용현황에 관한 분석

Abstract

In this paper, we examine the Rules of Origin (ROOs) in Korea's existing FTAs and explore the ROO-related issues in terms of the use of FTAs by analyzing the results of firm survey conducted by Gallup Korea. First of all, this paper addresses growing concerns regarding the complexity and inconsistency imposed by the ROOs in Korea's existing FTAs. By examining the ROOs in seven FTAs, which Korea has concluded or entered into force, we find out diversity across FTAs. Such diversity creates inconsistency in Korea's FTA rules of origin, which implies that local firms have to follow different criteria to meet originating status across FTAs. That is, the operational complications stemming from different ROOs lead to higher compliance costs for local firms, which are likely to exceed benefits from FTA preferences. Therefore, firms may eventually give up on the use of FTA preferences. In this respect, this study emphasizes the importance of building Korea's own position on the ROOs and applying them to the remaining FTAs. It would help Korea to maintain consistency of its ROOs in future FTAs, which leads to reap full benefits of the multiple FTAs. In building Korea's position on FTA rules of origin,emphasis is placed on to provide supportive system for firms to acquire proper and practical information about the FTAs, to maintain consistency vis-à-vis ROOs in the existing FTAs, and to improve the domestic regime related to the ROOs.