Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) open up great opportunities but also come with stringent requirements for certificates of origin. The city is implementing a system for issuing Certificates of Origin (C/O) to help businesses optimize export time and costs.

Providing practical support to businesses.

The Department of Industry and Trade began issuing Certificates of Origin (C/O) on March 16th, an initiative that has been praised by the business community as a practical and timely support measure. For exporting companies, a C/O is not simply an administrative document but a crucial "passport" for goods to benefit from preferential tariffs in importing markets, thereby enhancing competitiveness internationally.

Mr. Tran Ngoc Vinh, Head of Business and Import-Export Department of 29/3 Textile and Garment Joint Stock Company (Thanh Khe Ward), analyzed: In the context of Vietnam's extensive participation in many free trade agreements, Certificates of Origin (C/O) are mandatory documents for goods to enter demanding markets and receive tax reductions. The specific characteristics of the textile and garment industry require high accuracy in terms of timeliness and legal compliance. The city's establishment of an on-site C/O issuance office helps businesses proactively complete their dossiers in time to send them to partners, avoiding the consequences of delays or technical errors.

In the foreign direct investment (FDI) sector, Ms. Phan Thi Kim Anh, representative of Rieker Vietnam Footwear Company (Dien Nam - Dien Ngoc Industrial Park), stated that the company has a very high demand for Certificates of Origin (C/O), averaging about 200 sets of documents per month, including both paper and electronic documents. Having the procedures processed locally significantly reduces travel time and saves on express delivery and transportation costs. This is a crucial factor in optimizing the company's operational processes within the global supply chain.

From an economic diplomacy perspective, Mr. Terado Hirotsugu, Consul in charge of economic and cultural affairs (Consulate General of Japan in Da Nang), highly appreciated the responsiveness of the city government. According to him, the issuance of Certificates of Origin (C/O) at the local level demonstrates the responsiveness and flexible reaction of relevant agencies to the needs of businesses. Given Vietnam's important position in the global supply chain, this proactive approach is highly effective, helping Japanese businesses in particular, and FDI businesses in general, to maximize the benefits from the signed FTAs.

Always ready to "lend a hand"

Currently, the city has over 1,000 import-export businesses, exporting goods to more than 120 countries and territories. According to many businesses, the majority of certificates of origin (C/O) have been digitized by the Ministry of Industry and Trade , making export procedures more convenient. However, some key markets, such as the EU and Canada, still use paper-based C/O forms. Therefore, the establishment of a department within the Department of Industry and Trade to directly issue C/Os creates greater convenience for businesses in carrying out import-export procedures.

Ms. Do Thi Quynh Tram, Deputy Director of the Department of Industry and Trade, said that previously, businesses had to obtain Certificates of Origin (C/O) in other localities such as Hanoi, Hue, or Ho Chi Minh City, which involved lengthy and costly paper-based applications. The Department of Industry and Trade's implementation of C/O issuance will make it more convenient for businesses to submit applications and process procedures locally. It will also shorten the time required to complete export documentation, allowing businesses to be more proactive in their delivery plans and improve export efficiency, thereby boosting their production and business activities.

To prepare for this task, since December 2025, the department has completed investments in technological infrastructure and training of specialized personnel.

Currently, the Department of Industry and Trade issues 15 types of Certificates of Origin (C/O), including 14 preferential forms applicable to key FTA markets such as the EU, ASEAN, Japan, China, and South Korea, and one non-preferential form (Form B). In addition, the issuance of approval documents for businesses to self-certify the origin of goods is also being implemented to minimize procedural steps.

To ensure accuracy and compliance with the law, the department has assigned a team of specialized officers who have received in-depth professional training at the Import-Export Department and major offices in Ho Chi Minh City. Their deep understanding of rules of origin enables officers to process applications quickly and accurately, minimizing delays and errors.

The Department of Industry and Trade has completed investment in facilities, technological infrastructure, and training of specialized personnel for the issuance of Certificates of Origin (C/O). 

According to the Department of Industry and Trade, proactively issuing Certificates of Origin (C/O) not only provides technical support but also acts as a leverage for the city to achieve double-digit growth in import and export turnover (in 2026, the city aims for an 11-12% increase in goods export turnover compared to 2025). When businesses reduce costs and time, they will have more resources to research the market, improve product quality, and promote their brands. This is a favorable point for Da Nang's goods to be more widely promoted and penetrate foreign markets.

It is clear that the support of relevant authorities not only helps businesses overcome short-term challenges but also creates a solid foundation for the city's long-term export strategy. By removing small but impactful administrative barriers, Da Nang is affirming its position as a dynamic economic center, always ready to "empower" the business community to thrive sustainably in the era of global integration.

Source: Vietnam.vn 

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