The circular will take effect as of July 1, 2025. In case of any changes to relevant legal documents, implementation shall be based on the latest amended or supplementary regulations.

It establishes two groups of entities authorized to carry out the work: the Import and Export Department under the MOIT, and organizations assigned by provincial-level People’s Committees. Both are responsible for issuing C/Os and written approvals, provided they meet the required conditions regarding human resources, physical infrastructure, fee collection accounts, and digital infrastructure connected to the eCoSys electronic certification system.

The circular emphasizes the principle of uniform and comprehensive state management over goods origin, while ensuring strict compliance with Vietnam’s international commitments. It also affirms that implementation must not disrupt the enforcement of treaties or international agreements related to origin.

A notable point is that the entire process of issuing C/Os and written approvals will be conducted via the eCoSys system at www.ecosys.gov.vn.

The technical infrastructure of this system is managed by the Department of E-commerce and Digital Economy, which is also responsible for ensuring data connectivity with the National Single Window portal. The department is tasked with creating user accounts, assigning identification codes to authorized units, and maintaining a publicly accessible directory on the eCoSys platform.

Under the circular, organizations authorized to issue C/Os and written approvals must make their procedures public, provide guidance to traders to ensure compliance with the law, receive and resolve inquiries, and submit periodic reports to the Import and Export Department and the relevant provincial-level People’s Committee.

Provincial-level People’s Committees are required to organize the implementation of C/O issuance within 90 days from the effective date of the circular. They must also make relevant information public, monitor the implementation process, and handle any violations.

The Import and Export Department under the MoIT will take the lead in providing training, conducting periodic inspections, and coordinating with relevant units to ensure the quality of C/O issuance and written approvals nationwide.

Certificates of origin go digital

Vietnam has expanded the exchange of electronic certificate of origin (e-C/O) to aid trade activities.