Applying for inter-regional or extended cumulation under the DCTS
Inter-regional cumulation or extended cumulation application form and guidance under the Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS).
This guidance explains the application process for applying for inter-regional cumulation or extended cumulation under the DCTS. The rules on how the origin of goods is determined in the DCTS, including on the cumulation of origin, are set out in sections of The Customs (Origin of Chargeable Goods: Developing Countries Trading Scheme) Regulations 2023.
The 2 sections are:
- Regulation 19 which provides for cumulation between countries in 2 regional groups subject to certain conditions - regional groups can be found in Schedule 3 of the legislation
- Regulation 20 which provides for DCTS countries to cumulate materials originating from a country with which the UK has a preferential trade agreement subject to certain conditions
Further guidance on cumulation provisions in the DCTS can be found in Developing Countries Trading Scheme: rules of origin.
Application process
Applications for inter-regional cumulation and extended cumulation should be made on a case by case basis. They will be assessed by the Secretary of State for Business and Trade.
You should:
- Complete Form 5A: application for inter-regional cumulation or extended cumulation in the DCTS.
- Email Form 5A and supporting evidence to the Trade for Development team at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).
Cumulation request assessment process
FCDO’s Trade for Development team will:
- seek to respond within 6 months of the date of application
- inform applicants of the outcome of the assessment by email to the email address provided in Section 3 of Form 5A
When requirements for inter-regional cumulation are met
If the Secretary of State determines that the requirements in Regulation 19 (inter-regional cumulation) are met, a notice will be published specifying:
- the qualifying DCTS country
- the date from which the inter-regional cumulation may take effect
- if the Secretary of State considers it appropriate, the materials in respect of which the inter-regional or extended cumulation may apply
When requirements for extended cumulation are met
If the Secretary of State determines that the requirements in Regulation 20 (extended cumulation) are met, a notice will be published specifying:
- the qualifying DCTS country
- the date from which the extended cumulation may take effect
- the UK trade agreement partner country concerned
- if the Secretary of State considers it appropriate, the materials in respect of which the extended cumulation may apply