Documents required for export

The European Union-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) came into force on August 1st, 2020. Since then, 65% of customs duties have already been eliminated on EU exports to Vietnam and 71% of customs duties have been eliminated in the other way. Eventually, 99% of the tariff lines will have disappeared for both parties over a period of 10 years.

The creation of this free trade zone makes Vietnam attractive to European companies and investors and the Union attractive to the Vietnamese investors and companies. With the implementation of the EVFTA, trade flows should undoubtedly increase.

However, the benefits of these tariff preferences are determined on compliance with the rule of origin. The origin shall be proved by specific documents presented to the authorities of the importing party. CCIFV keeps a list of these different proofs of origin.

Article 15 of Protocol 1 of the EVFTA lists the proofs of origin required under this trade agreement. Besides, this article makes a distinction according to the destination of the goods or services, but also according to the total value of the consignment.

In the European Union-Vietnam way

Regarding exports from the European Union to Vietnam (EU → VN), paragraph 1 of this article distinguishes 3 methods of proof : the certificate of origin (C/O), the declaration of origin and the attestation of origin.

Obtaining a certificate of origin : The exporter must apply to an authorized agency, fill in the form and then wait for the C/O to be issued by the agency.

The declaration of origin/attestation of origin : This modality allows exporters to certify themselves the origin of their products to benefit from the preferential advantages of the FTA. This self-certification is done on any commercial document (e.g : invoice).

However, in accordance with the EVFTA, the European Commission has informed the Vietnamese government that only the declaration of origin will be used for European exporters. Consequently, whatever the value of the shipment, European exporters can self-certify their goods to Vietnam.

In the Vietnam-European Union way

For shipments exported from Vietnam to the European Union (VN → EU), the value of the shipment is to be taken into consideration. As Vietnam has not exercised the option to use self-certification in any circumstances, Vietnamese exporters must obtain a certificate of origin in the form "EUR.1" for shipments with a value exceeding EUR 6,000. Below this amount, they can certify the origin of their products through a declaration of origin.

Finally, the exclusive use of self-certification by the European Union simplifies - at least administratively - the export process to Vietnam. Self-certification will also be fully effective on the Vietnamese side when Vietnam shall apply the EU's REX system.

In summary:

Guides

Cumulation of origin

Proof of origin, receive our complete guide!

To learn more about the details of proofs of origin, download our dedicated guide.

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