Is a certificate of origin required for importing from China?

A Certificate of Origin (CO) from China is required or beneficial in these situations:

Mandatory:

• When claiming preferential duty rates under a Free Trade Agreement (e.g., ASEAN-China FTA, India-ASEAN FTA). Without the CO, you pay the standard duty rate.
• When importing into countries that apply anti-dumping duties on Chinese goods (common for steel, solar panels, certain chemicals) — the CO proves origin
• When regulations require it (e.g., some US CBP requirements for specific product categories)

Types of CO from China:

1. Form A (GSP Certificate): For exports to countries offering Generalised System of Preferences to developing countries. Now phased out for China in most developed nations.
2. China-ASEAN Form E: For ASEAN countries to claim ACFTA preferential rates
3. General CO: Issued by China Council for Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) — used when no FTA applies but a CO is required
4. Certificate of Non-Preferential Origin: Confirms Chinese origin without claiming any duty preference

How to get it: Your Chinese supplier obtains the CO from the local chamber of commerce or CCPIT. Cost is typically RMB 200–500. Ensure the HS codes on the CO match your import declaration exactly.