Serbia China FTA, what holds from 1 July 2024

How much duty from China is not one figure. It depends on the product HS code, often from 0% to about 20% before preference. VAT is a separate line, typically 20% on the tax base. Import without duty exists only where the FTA and origin rules allow it, with a correct COO.

That is why we price duty from China in landed cost with and without an FTA scenario. A generic claim that there is no duty on everything from China is false.

The FTA does not wipe every duty on every product. Preference depends on HS code, origin rules and whether the papers meet customs in Serbia.

The exact amount is calculated by HS code in the quote, in two scenarios: with a certificate of origin and without it. There is no generic saving that covers all goods.

A COO confirms the goods meet origin rules. Without it, customs treats the shipment at standard rates. Issue is planned with the exporter or factory before shipment.

Papillon, when scoped, coordinates CI, PL, COO and B/L with freight, so papers and cargo arrive aligned.

A wrong HS code can kill FTA preference or start a customs dispute. Close classification early, in the RFQ and purchase-order stage, not at the terminal.

If you have several items in one shipment, each line must be clearly described on the commercial invoice and packing list.

A serious quote holds landed cost: goods, freight, duty, VAT and our fee. Where the FTA is relevant, we calculate a preferential rate with a note that a COO is required.

We do not claim a saving without checking the category. Transparency means you see the assumptions before you confirm the order.

Late COO requests, a mismatch in the goods description, mixing suppliers without clear origin, or consolidation without papers per shipper, all of that can drop the preferential rate.

The fix is a process: brief, HS, factory or origin, purchase order, COO plan, quality control (QC), shipment, then clearance.

Serbia China FTA from 1 July 2024 is not a switch that turns duty off. The quote holds two figures: duty with a correct certificate of origin (COO) and duty without it. The tariff code (HS) decides which rate is even on the table. A wrong code does not give a lower rate. It gives a dispute.

VAT is a separate line. Lower duty does not wipe VAT. Landed cost therefore shows both scenarios before the deposit, so you know what happens if the paper is late at sea. Sea is about 35–52 days. A COO requested after the vessel has sailed often does not arrive with the goods.

Origin is not a sticker. The factory or exporter issues the certificate under the agreement rules, with the invoice and packing list. Importer name, description, quantity and code must match. A mismatch is why customs may refuse preference.

You confirm the code with your broker before shipment, not at the terminal. Papillon coordinates so the COO enters the document pack on shipments we run. We do not claim a saving without a code. We do not promise zero.

Consolidation of several suppliers needs origin per shipper. One certificate on someone else’s goods does not cover your line. Quality control (QC) and origin are not the same check. QC above 2,000 USD on sourcing execution looks at the goods. COO looks at the paper. Both must pass before the seal if you count on preference.

If the category does not carry a lower rate, that is written in the quote and the process continues at standard duty. Whether the code even has preference is checked in the brief phase, inside 1–3 weeks of shortlist work, not after production. The operational order of the form is on the certificate of origin page.