GSP-based Certificate of Origin Launched

To help enterprises to enjoy Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), the Ministry of Industry and Trade issued Circular 38/2018/TT-BCT on implementation of certificates of origin of goods under GSP preferences of the European Union, Norway, Switzerland and Turkey. Circular 38/2018/TT-BCT took effect from December 14, 2018.

GSP is a unilateral incentive regime for developing and underdeveloped countries in trade relations with major economies. In the past years, the European Union (EU) has adopted this regime for some Vietnamese goods such as footwear, apparels and plastic products. Vietnamese companies have also made good use of this policy to expand their EU market.

From January 1, 2019, registered traders are allowed to get the Registered Exporter System (REX) instead of certificate of origin (C/O) Form A when they export their products to the EU, Norway, Switzerland and Turkey. Exporters who do not have REX code can still apply for C/O Form A for their goods during the transition period, in accordance with the European Commission. A REX code is not required for exports worth less than EUR6,000.

On November 6, 2018, the Minister of Industry and Trade signed Decision 4173/QD-BCT authorizing the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) to receive REX code registration for traders. This decision is published on the ministry’s website for electronic C/O management and certification system http://www.ecosys.gov.vn.

Traders can register for REX codes under VCCI’s instructions or follow steps provided on the EU’s website (https://customs.ec.europa.eu/rex-pa-ui/) and file required documents to VCCI’s REX code agencies.

The Ministry of Industry and Trade announced and requested traders to contact VCCI for instructions and REX code registration.

H.Ly