ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA)

About this agreement

The ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA) consists of three agreements – the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA), the ASEAN Framework Agreement on Services (AFAS) and the ASEAN Comprehensive Investment Agreement (ACIA). It eliminates tariffs for trade in goods, investments and services within the ASEAN region. 
AHTN 2017
Implementation of Tariff Rate Schedules for Cambodia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore
AHTN 2012
Implementation of Tariff Rate Schedules for Brunei Darussalam, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Thailand

Key benefits

  • Check
    ATIGA
    • Eliminates all tariffs for virtually all product lines.
    • Allows back-to-back shipment of goods within member countries.
    • Allows third-party invoicing of goods.
    • Allows ASEAN Cumulation, which means that originating raw materials sourced from other ASEAN Member States can be taken into account when assessing the origin criteria of final products manufactured in Singapore. This makes it easier for Singapore exporters’ products to meet the criteria for preferential treatment.
    • The First Protocol to amend the ATIGA, which was signed in 2019, will enhance the existing Agreement by simplifying the Operational Certification Procedure for Rules of Origin.
  • Check
    AFAS
    • Safeguards market access and ensures a more predictable operating environment for service suppliers.
  • Check
    ACIA
    • Protects investors and investments in ASEAN. This creates a more transparent, facilitative and secure environment for investors.

Eligibility

Use the Tariff Finder to see if your product is eligible to enjoy this FTA's tariff concessions.


Alternatively, you can explore the following steps to check your eligibility.

  • Your product’s preferential rate
    Check the preferential rates for your product based on your region:
  • Your product’s rule of origin

    Rules of origin are a set of criteria which determine a product's originating status in each respective FTA.

    It is put in place to ensure that only goods originating from the FTA partner countries will benefit from tariff concessions.

    Is your product obtained/produced entirely within Singapore?
    Your product is considered wholly obtained in Singapore
    Does your product fall under the list of either Product Specific Rules (Textiles) or Product Specific Rules (Others) ?
    Your product may be considered as originating from ASEAN-Japan region
    40% of its contents must originate from the ASEAN region
    OR
    non-originating raw materials must have undergone a change in the first 4 digits of the HS code from the finished good.

Apply

Singapore Customs is the authorised body in Singapore for FTA Preferential Certificate of Origin (PCO) application.

If your product is eligible, follow these application steps to enjoy tariff concessions:
  1. Register your factory with Singapore Customs using the Manufacturer's Application Form
  2. Submit the Manufacturing Cost Statement
  3. Apply for a Preferential Certificate of Origin (PCO)


The process from registration to receiving the PCO typically takes less than one month.

Learn more about the rules of PCO


Submit your application
Apply for a PCO with export permit under the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA) via TradeNet.

Resources


Need additional help?

For assistance, contact us at +65 6898 1800, reach us here or visit the SME Centres.

Explore other trade resources

Market Guides

Market Guides

Learn about the unique business opportunities that each market offers.
Free Trade Agreements

Find a Free Trade Agreement (FTA)

Find the FTAs and export markets that suit your business requirements.