Several modern free trade agreements (FTAs) contain a so-called 'outward processing' exception to their rules of origin. FTAs require that for goods from a Party to enjoy preferential treatment in another Party, the goods should be made without interruption in the FTA territory. An exception to this territoriality principle is the outward processing scheme. Under this exception, a producer in a Party may send materials to a non-Party for outward processing and re-import the processed goods for finishing. Final products can then enjoy the FTA preference from the importing Party provided that relevant conditions are met.
This paper examines various outward processing schemes under current FTAs concluded by, inter alia, Israel, the EU, EFTA, Singapore and South Korea, and compares them with neighbouring regimes (i.e.,
third-country content and third-country materials rules). This paper also assesses the scheme from economic-political and legal viewpoints. Finally, this paper suggests some solutions for overcoming problems with the scheme.

Executive Summary

I. Introduction
II. Overview of the Outward Processing Scheme
1. FTA Rules of Origin
2. Rationale of the Outward Processing Scheme

III. Outward Processing Schemes under Europe's FTAs
1. EFTA's Initiative
2. Evolution of EFTA's Scheme
3. EEA Scheme
4. EC-Concluded Pan-European and Pan-Euro-MED FTAs
5. EC's FTAs with Non-European Countries
6. Common Features of Outward Processing Schemes under Europe's FTAs

IV. Outward Processing Schemes under Israel's FTAs
1. Israel-EC FTA
2. Israel-US FTA with the U.S. Unilateral Cumulation Regime
3. Israel-Canada FTA
4. FTAs between Israel and South American Countries

V. Outward Processing Schemes under Singapore's FTAs
1. Singapore-Pacific FTAs
2. Singapore-Asian Countries FTAs
3. Singapore-EFTA FTA
4. Singapore-U.S. FTA
5. Singapore-Jordan FTA
6. Trans-Pacific FTA
7. Singapore-Latin America FTAs

VI. Outward Processing Schemes under South Korea's FTAs
1. South Korea-EFTA FTA
2. South Korea-ASEAN 10 FTA
3. South Korea-U.S. FTA

VII. Assessment of Outward Processing Schemes
1. Definition of the Outward Processing Scheme
2. Benefits and Shortcomings of the Outward Processing Scheme
3. Legal Assessment of the Outward Processing Scheme

VIII. Conclusion

References

Appendix