BZ

For customs, “country of origin” means the country where a product is manufactured, produced, or grown—not necessarily the country it was shipped from. If materials or processing involve more than one country, origin may depend on whether the last processing created a “substantial transformation,” such as a meaningful change in the product’s name, character, or use. The applicable rule can vary by product and tariff measure.

Origin is important because trade remedies, preferential programs, quotas, and other tariff measures may apply based on the product’s origin. For goods identified with BZ, first confirm that BZ is the correct country code in the relevant customs or tariff system, then review the product’s classification and the measure’s stated origin scope. Common pitfalls include confusing the export or transit country with origin, treating simple packaging or minor assembly as a change of origin, and relying on supplier statements without supporting production records.

What to check

• Confirm the product’s tariff classification before checking which origin-based measures apply.
• Trace where the product and its components were produced, and analyze any multi-country processing under the applicable origin rules.
• Check whether the measure uses a specific origin definition, certification requirement, or product exception.
• Collect and retain commercial invoices, bills of materials, manufacturing records, supplier origin declarations, and shipping documents.
• Ask a customs broker or trade specialist to review complex production chains, substantial-transformation questions, or conflicting origin evidence.