A Certificate of Origin serves as the “proof of nationality” for exported goods, enabling the importing country to grant tariff concessions or verify compliance with rules of origin. Under free trade agreements (FTAs) such as ASEAN, RCEP, and the China-South Korea FTA, the right certificate can directly save the customer money on tariffs and enhance the competitiveness of the order. Obtaining a Certificate of Origin is not complicated;
the key lies in selecting the correct certificate type and using the proper declaration channel.
This article outlines the entire process.
1.
Select the Right Certificate Type
First is the General Certificate of Origin (CO), which certifies that goods originate in China and is used for exports to countries without an FTA or for general purposes requested by the customer. Second is the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) Certificate of Origin (FORM A), used for exports to developed countries that grant GSP treatment. Third are Regional Preferential Certificates of Origin for exports to countries with which China has signed an FTA; these include FORM E (China-ASEAN), RCEP Certificates of Origin, Asia-Pacific Trade Agreement Certificates, and FTA certificates for China-South Korea, China-Australia, and China-Georgia.
The certificate type is determined by whether the destination country has an FTA with China and whether the product meets the rules of origin. Choosing the wrong type means the customer cannot enjoy preferential treatment, rendering the effort futile.
2.
Where to Apply: Customs or CCPIT
The issuing authorities in my country are Customs (which incorporates former inspection and quarantine functions) and the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) and its local branches.
First, complete the enterprise registration/filing process (enterprises that have already completed the “integration of two certificates” can simply continue using their existing information). Then, log in to the “China International Trade Single Window” and select the relevant “Certificate of Origin” module, or declare via the “Certificate of Origin Issuance” portal on the “Integrated Customs Government Service Platform” (“Internet + Customs”).
Certificates of origin issued by either type of agency hold equal validity; enterprises may choose based on local practice.
III.
Application Process and Required Materials
Basic process: Registration/filing → Declaration via Single Window (inputting basic certificate and cargo information) → Review by issuing agency → Issuance (electronic certificate/self-service printing or on-site collection).
Materials to submit upon declaration: Application for Certificate of Origin and a copy of the commercial invoice; if goods contain non-originating components or require verification of originating status, include a Product Cost Breakdown (listing raw material sources, processing steps, and procurement invoices/contracts)—Customs will verify this against rules of origin.
Timing requirements: Apply before or at the time of shipment; for retrospective issuance (if necessary), apply within one year of the shipment date and submit shipping documents such as the bill of lading; for certificate amendments, apply to the original issuing agency within the certificate’s validity period.
IV.
Rules of Origin: Determining Status for Hardware Components
The core requirement for preferential certificates is that the product meets the rules of origin: either wholly obtained/produced (raw materials and processing entirely within China) or involving a substantial transformation—typically met through a change in tariff classification (e.g., the initial digits of the HS code change after imported steel is processed into structural components) or a regional value content of no less than 40% (formula: (FOB price – price of non-originating materials) ÷ FOB price × 100%).
Hardware structural components are manufactured from imported steel through processes such as stamping, machining, and surface treatment. While most meet the criteria for tariff classification changes or value-added thresholds, specific compliance depends on product-specific rules of origin; therefore, it is advisable to conduct a self-assessment or seek a preliminary review from the issuing agency before declaration to avoid challenges from destination customs authorities after the certificate is issued.
V.
Practical Recommendations
First, clarify which type of certificate (CO, FORM A, FORM E, or RCEP) the customer requires when accepting an order and include this requirement in the contract. Second, ensure the certificate details—such as product name, quantity, HS code, and consignee—align perfectly with the commercial invoice, bill of lading, and packing list. Third, take full advantage of electronic declaration and self-printing options; these methods offer rapid processing times, allowing certificates to be obtained even shortly before shipment. Fourth, maintain detailed product cost breakdowns for future reference; during post-issuance verification (retrospective checks by destination customs), incomplete documentation can lead to the revocation of preferential status and the imposition of back taxes.
Industry experts note that a certificate of origin is a “low-cost, high-leverage” document: securing the right RCEP certificate can lower the customer’s tariff rate by a few percentage points, thereby solidifying the order.
