Certificates of Origin for machinery and equipment can be processed online through two types of agencies: China Customs (via the “Single Window” platform/Customs government service portal) and the CCPIT (via eco.ccpit.org, featuring full digitization and blockchain verification). Select the certificate type based on the destination market (e.g., General CO, FORM A [GSP], FORM E [ASEAN], RCEP, etc.). Electronic certificates take 4–8 hours, while paper certificates take 1–2 days; for RCEP, retrospective issuance is available within 12 months of shipment.
I.
Selecting the Certificate Type
General Certificate of Origin (CO) (Non-preferential: certifies Chinese origin; generally accepted for customs clearance); FORM A (GSP: tariff reductions granted by developed countries to developing countries, e.g., EU, Japan); FORM E (China-ASEAN FTA); RCEP Certificate of Origin (15-nation Asia-Pacific FTA: Japan, South Korea, Australia/NZ, ASEAN; most commonly used in 2026); Other FTAs (China-Australia, China-South Korea, China-Pakistan, China-Switzerland, etc., based on specific agreements)—preferential certificates enable import tariff reductions; select the appropriate one based on the agreement with the destination country.
II. Issuing Agencies and Platforms
Customs Issuance: “Single Window” (singlewindow.cn → Port Law Enforcement Declaration → Certificate of Origin → Customs Certificate of Origin) or the Customs Government Service Platform (online.customs.gov.cn → Tax & Fee Services → Origin Management → Certificate of Origin Issuance; per GACC Decree No. 270); CCPIT Issuance: eco.ccpit.org (instant issuance of electronic COs; blockchain-verifiable); Registration: “Two-in-One” enterprise registration (registration as a foreign trade operator automatically completes origin registration)—certificates issued by Customs and the CCPIT hold equal validity (preferential certificates must be issued by agencies designated under specific agreements).
III.
Application Process
Step 1: Enterprise Registration (“Two-in-One” registration or manual entry); Step 2: Online Application (Create new certificate: basic info + cargo info: exporter/consignee/HS code/product name/quantity/value); Step 3: Declaration of Origin Criteria (Wholly Obtained / Regional Value Content (RVC) / Change in Tariff Classification (CTC)); Step 4: Review and Issuance (Electronic: 4–8 hours; Paper: 1–2 days); Step 5: Dispatch to Buyer (for customs clearance alongside the Bill of Lading)—RCEP certificates must be issued prior to shipment; retrospective issuance is possible within 12 months in cases of error or oversight.
IV.
Key Points on Origin Criteria
Wholly Obtained (Produced within China: e.g., mechanical parts assembled from 100% domestic components usually qualify); Regional Value Content (e.g., RCEP 40% value-added requirement); Change in Tariff Classification (HS code changes after processing imported components); Direct Transport (Direct shipment from the country of origin to the destination country)—Complete machinery manufactured in China often meets “Wholly Obtained” or “Change in Tariff Classification” criteria; RVC is calculated when the proportion of imported components is high.
V. Notes for Overseas Buyers
1. Verify the applicable agreement for the destination country (e.g., FORM E for ASEAN; RCEP for Japan, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand; CO for others); 2. Ensure consistency between the certificate and the invoice (details regarding the exporter, HS code, and value must match); 3. Declare eligibility for preferential treatment (enter the preferential code and certificate number on the import customs declaration); 4. Ensure direct shipment (transshipment requires proof of transit); 5. Verify the electronic certificate (authenticate via blockchain or official platforms)—Certificates of Origin are processed online by Customs or the CCPIT (filing → application → issuance within 4–8 hours); preferential certificates enable tariff reductions under FTAs;
and compliance relies on meeting the three key criteria: direct shipment, document consistency, and correct data matching.
