Minimal operations
In addition to the specific rules of origin stipulated for the product you want to import or export, you must verify whether the operations carried out in the EU or the trading partner country go beyond minimal operations. These minimal operations are listed in the origin protocol of the relevant trade agreement. Minimal operations can be packaging, simple cutting, simple assembling, simple mixing, etc.
If the production carried out in the EU or a trading partner country is among the listed operations and nothing else was done there (i.e. no material was produced or transformed), then the product cannot be considered as originating, even if the product-related rules of origin are fulfilled.