Certificates of Origin: Processing Based on Preferential Status
When obtaining a Certificate of Origin for power equipment exports, the choice depends on the applicable preferential status: a General Certificate of Origin (CO)—issued by the CCPIT or Customs to certify Chinese origin—or a Preferential Certificate of Origin (such as Form A under the Generalized System of Preferences or certificates under Free Trade Agreements like RCEP or China-ASEAN) to qualify for tariff concessions. Industry experts note that the procedure depends on the destination country and applicable agreements: preferential certificates are obtained for countries in FTAs like RCEP or ASEAN to secure tariff reductions, while General COs are used for other countries;
applications are submitted online via the CCPIT or Customs.
Types of Certificates of Origin
- General Certificate of Origin (CO): Certifies goods are of Chinese origin;
issued by the CCPIT or Customs; - Form A (GSP Certificate): For tariff concessions under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) in developed countries (note: some countries have discontinued this);
- FTA Preferential Certificates: Certificates under agreements such as RCEP, China-ASEAN, China-Australia, and China-South Korea, offering tariff concessions (reduced or zero tariffs);
- Specialized Certificates: Declarations of origin or certificates of processing/assembly, issued based on specific requirements.
Application Process
First, confirm the applicable agreement.
Determine the agreement based on the destination country (e.g., RCEP covers ASEAN, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand; ASEAN-specific certificates are used for ASEAN nations) and check the tariff reduction schedule (power equipment is often included in these lists).
Second, prepare the documentation: commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, and declaration of origin (value-added criteria: Regional Value Content).
Third, submit the application online.
Applications are submitted via the CCPIT or Customs Certificate of Origin systems; following verification, electronic or paper certificates are issued.
Regarding usage, the certificate accompanies the bill of lading to the destination country for customs clearance, enabling the importer to benefit from preferential tariff rates.
Pitfalls to Avoid
First, “selecting the wrong agreement”: if the destination country is not covered by the chosen agreement, the certificate becomes invalid.
Second, “failure to meet rules of origin”: if the Regional Value Content (RVC) falls short of requirements, the certificate will be rejected.
Third, “incorrect certificate information”: discrepancies between the product description or quantity and the commercial invoice can hinder customs clearance.
Trends and Recommendations
Certificates of origin are shifting toward digitalization: Electronic Certificate of Origin (ECO) issuance and self-printing capabilities are enhancing efficiency, while the expansion of the RCEP is broadening the scope of tariff preferences.
Exporters are advised to apply for certificates based on specific agreements, consult tariff reduction schedules, and utilize electronic application methods.
Proper certification leads to significant tariff savings.
