How to Correctly Issue a Certificate of Origin for Transshipment Trade? Please Give Me Some Advice!
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Our company is engaged in transshipment trade, and during the transit of goods, the issue of issuing a certificate of origin arises. I am not quite clear on how to proceed; should it be issued based on the country of origin of the goods, or the country of transit? What key points need attention during the application process? I hope knowledgeable friends can explain it to me, so I can successfully complete the issuance of the certificate of origin and avoid trade risks.
Trade Expert Insights Answers
When issuing a certificate of origin in transshipment trade, first clarify the type of certificate of origin. A general Certificate of Origin (CO) is usually issued according to the country of origin of the goods, proving that the goods originate from a specific country or region. If it is a preferential certificate of origin, such as a GSP Certificate of Origin (FORM A), it must strictly follow the rules of origin of the relevant granting country, and generally also be based on the country of origin.
When applying, ensure that the submitted documents are true and accurate, such as commercial invoices, bills of lading, packing lists, etc., which must clearly indicate the source and circulation process of the goods. At the same time, pay attention to the special requirements of different countries and regions for certificates of origin. For example, some countries may require the certificate of origin to be issued by a specific institution or to be certified. It is recommended to cooperate with professional freight forwarders or customs brokers like Zhongmaoda. They are experienced and can better guide you to complete the issuance of the certificate of origin and reduce trade risks.
When issuing a certificate of origin for transshipment trade, if the destination country has lenient requirements for the certificate of origin, issuing it according to the country of origin is generally fine. However, if the destination country has restrictions on the country of origin, it may be necessary to issue it according to the country of transit, but this must meet the relevant rules of origin criteria of the transit country. You need to confirm the destination country's requirements with your client in advance.
It is important to ensure that the goods description on the certificate of origin matches that on the bill of lading and invoice. Furthermore, some transshipment trades may involve third-party invoices. When using third-party invoices, there might be special regulations for certificate of origin operations, which you should understand and process accordingly in advance.
When seeking help from professional institutions like Zhongmaoda, you must promptly provide all necessary documents so they can process it quickly and accurately. You can also learn more about certificate of origin knowledge yourself to better handle various situations.
Different ports have varying levels of scrutiny for certificates of origin in transshipment trade. If the destination port has strict inspections, it is even more crucial to ensure the certificate of origin meets the requirements. It is advisable to consult the local freight forwarder at the destination port in advance regarding local inspection priorities and common issues.
When filling out the certificate of origin, the field for the origin criterion must be accurately completed. For example, products wholly obtained and products containing imported components have different filling standards, and an incorrect entry may invalidate the certificate of origin.
Pay attention to the validity period of the certificate of origin; different types of certificates have different validity periods. If the goods' transit time is long, ensure that the certificate of origin is still valid when the goods arrive at the destination port, otherwise, it may affect customs clearance.
During the process of applying for a certificate of origin, if there are changes in information, such as changes in cargo quantity or marks, promptly notify the relevant institution to amend the certificate of origin, otherwise, it will lead to discrepancies between documents.
Sometimes, transshipment goods undergo simple processing in the transit country. If you intend to issue the certificate of origin based on the transit country, you need to confirm whether this processing complies with the transit country's rules of origin regarding processing procedures.