In import and export trade, the role of FORM E certificate of origin cannot be underestimated. With this certificate, importers from ASEAN countries can enjoy tariff reductions, reduce import costs and enhance market competitiveness. Secondly, the validity of the certificate helps to speed up customs clearance, reduce cargo detention time and ensure the smoothness of the supply chain. In addition, from a macro perspective, the FORM E certificate has also promoted trade cooperation between China and ASEAN countries and promoted regional economic integration.

Next, we will introduce in detail the application process and precautions for FORM E certificate of origin to help you better utilize this policy tool and enhance your competitiveness in international trade.

1. Application Process

Enterprise Record

Exporting companies need to make relevant registrations at the China International Trade Single Window, including the company's Chinese and English seals, applicant information, product information, etc.

Product Pre-review

Submit a product pre-examination application, declare the product HS code, Chinese and English names, raw materials, production process, etc., and the customs will review whether the product is qualified as Chinese origin.

Certificate Application

1. Fill in the application form: You can fill in the Form E Certificate of Origin application form online through China's international trade "Single Window", "Internet + Customs", China Council for the Promotion of International Trade declaration system, etc. The application form needs to fill in the information of the importer and exporter, transportation details, commodity description, applicable origin standards and other columns, and should be declared truthfully in accordance with the relevant provisions of each trade agreement.

2. Submit application materials: Usually you need to submit export contracts or orders, commercial invoices, packing lists, import and export rights certification documents, product information, etc. to prove the origin of the product and the authenticity of the transaction.

Material review

Customs or CCPIT will review the application materials and declaration contents submitted by the enterprise to ensure that the materials are true, complete and accurate, and that the declaration contents comply with relevant regulations. During the review process, the enterprise may be required to supplement or modify relevant materials.

Certificate issuance

1. Enterprises can print by themselves or collect on site: If the review is passed, the enterprise will receive a receipt of the certificate review and can print the FORM E certificate of origin by themselves, or go to the customs to handle the issuance procedures on site.

2. Post-issued certificate: If you fail to apply for FORM E certificate within three days of the export of goods, you can apply for a post-issued certificate. A reissued certificate can be issued for goods within one year after the ship is shipped, but the word "post-issued" must be indicated on the certificate.

2. Precautions

Validity

The validity period of the FORM E certificate of origin is 1 year from the date of issuance. It should be noted that this certificate is used to prove that the goods originate from the member countries of the relevant agreement and must be issued before or when the goods are shipped (in special circumstances, a certificate can be issued later).

In the actual trade customs clearance process, the certificate needs to be submitted to the customs of the importing country within the validity period as a certificate for enjoying the preferential tariff rate of the agreement. If it exceeds the validity period, the customs of the importing country may refuse to grant preferential tariff treatment.

FORM ESituations where the certificate of origin is not applicable

1. Goods that do not comply with the rules of origin

• Completely non-originating goods: If the raw materials of the goods are all from non-China-ASEAN Free Trade Area member countries, and no substantial processing is carried out in the area to change the tariff classification of the goods, complete specific manufacturing or processing procedures, and the value-added exceeds the prescribed proportion, etc., they do not qualify as Chinese origin and cannot apply.
• Goods that do not meet specific origin standards: For goods containing imported components, if their HS codes are not on the PSR (Product Specific Rules of Origin) and CTH (Change in Tariff Classification) lists, and do not meet other relevant origin standards, such as the Chinese origin value component does not reach the prescribed proportion, etc., they cannot apply.

2. Goods beyond the scope of the certificate

Goods not exported to ASEAN member countries: FORM E certificate of origin is specifically used for goods exported from China to ASEAN countries. If the export destination of the goods is not Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and other 10 ASEAN countries, you cannot apply for this certificate.

3. Goods that are prohibited or restricted from export

• Goods subject to export control: Certain goods related to national security, public interests, ecological environment, etc. are subject to export control by the Chinese government, such as some high-tech products and strategic materials. Without permission or failure to meet relevant export control requirements, you cannot apply for a FORM E certificate of origin.
• Goods that do not comply with the laws and standards of the importing country: Even if the goods originate from China and comply with the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area rules of origin, if they do not comply with the relevant laws, standards and quality requirements of the importing country, the customs of the importing country may refuse to accept the FORM E certificate of origin and the goods will not be able to enjoy preferential tariff treatment.

4. Some goods under special trade mode

• Re-export goods: For foreign goods re-exported through China, since their country of origin is not China, they cannot apply for China's FORM E certificate of origin, but should be issued a re-export certificate.
• Processing trade goods: If the processing trade goods are not registered as required upon import, or if the relevant processing trade supervision requirements are not followed during the processing, resulting in the inability to accurately determine the origin of the goods, it may be impossible to apply for a FORM E certificate of origin.

Conclusion

When conducting import and export business with ASEAN countries, the significance of FORM E certificate of origin to foreign trade enterprises is self-evident. If enterprises want to have long-term and stable development in the field of foreign trade, they need to attach importance to FORM E certificate, carefully prepare materials according to the process, pay attention to each link of the application, and use the certificate in compliance with regulations. Only in this way can we fully enjoy the policy dividends, enhance our own competitiveness, forge ahead in the ever-changing international trade wave, and gain more business opportunities!