12 November 2024: Joint minutes of the second meeting of the UK-Central America customs, trade facilitation and rules of origin sub-committee
Updated 20 October 2025
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1. Adoption of the agenda
Central America and the United Kingdom (UK) agreed to hold the Customs, Trade Facilitation and Rules of Origin Sub-Committee via written correspondence.
The Parties both formally agreed to the agenda and to the written exchange of information under each item as required, which was initiated on 12 November 2024.
2. Rules of origin
2.1 Revision of Decisions No. 1/2020, No. 2/2020 and No. 1/2023, issued within the framework of the Association Agreement between the European Union and Central America, for their adaptation and subscription
Decisions No. 1/2020 and No. 1/2023
Central America sent the proposed Decision and its Annexes to the United Kingdom for its consideration on 27 August 2024. This decision incorporates the adjustments to Harmonized System (HS) amendment V, VI and VII to Appendix 2 (List of working or processing required to be carried out on non-originating materials in order that the product manufactured can obtain originating status) and Appendix 2A (Addendum to the list of working and processing required to be carried out on non-originating materials in order that the product manufactured can obtain originating status) of Annex II under the UK-CA Association Agreement (UK-CAAA).
The UK is currently evaluating its position and reviewing internal processes regarding updates to the HS.
Decision No. 2/2020
Central America submitted a proposed decision related to the Explanatory Notes to Annex II to the UK on 25 November 2024.
Central America reiterated its willingness to co-ordinate virtual meetings for further discussion and requested a prompt response.
2.2 Agreement
The UK is currently assessing the proposed decisions submitted by Central America to incorporate the adjustments to HS amendment V, VI and VII of Appendix 2 and 2A of Annex II and to adopt the Explanatory Notes of Annex II. Considering the ongoing internal processes and resource constraints, a formal response will be provided in due course.
3. Customs cooperation and trade facilitation
3.1 Recent developments on customs legislation and procedures in the UK
The UK shared information on recent developments in customs legislation and procedures.
The UK provided details on customs measures related to the Autumn Budget 2024 and shared information about the launch of the Customs Declaration Service (CDS).
3.2 Recent developments on customs legislation and procedures in Central American republics
Central America submitted a report on the status and progress of customs legislation and procedures, prepared by the Secretariat for Central American Economic Integration (SIECA).
The report included information about the reimbursement of import duties, the single administrative document, and harmonized customs legislation.
3.3 UK’s free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations
The UK updated Central America on its ongoing FTA negotiations.
3.4 Central America’s FTA negotiations
Central America updated the UK on the FTA negotiations of each Central America member state, as well as recently concluded negotiations.
4. Any other business
4.1 Updates on mutual administrative assistance: exchange of contact points
The UK and Central America exchanged contact points for mutual administrative assistance in customs matters.
4.2 Electronic certificates of origin
The UK supports the permanent adoption of electronic certificates of origin (eCoOs). The UK acknowledges that legal adjustments to its domestic legislation would be required to formalise this measure for UK importers.
Central America will continue reviewing the UK proposal, considering the current regulatory framework for implementing eCoOs under the UK-CAAA. Additionally, Central America requested information on any similar agreements that the UK has reached with other trading partners.
4.3 Agreements
The UK and Central America agreed to continue discussions on the topic of eCoOs.
5. Final remarks
The UK and Central America thanked each other for a productive exchange of information and committed to remain in contact regarding both on outstanding matters resulting from the meeting of the sub-committee and on other issues that may arise regarding the implementation of the UK-CAAA.