Adjusting administrative procedures to support export businesses.

In the future, instead of the Ministry of Industry and Trade and local authorities jointly implementing the process of issuing certificates at the local level, the Ministry will stop issuing Certificates of Origin (C/O).

The Ministry of Industry and Trade has just announced amendments and additions to a series of administrative procedures in the import and export sector, focusing on simplifying processes and facilitating international trade activities for businesses. Notably, the review and amendments focus on the group of procedures for issuing Certificates of Origin (C/O) - one of the most important procedures for exporting businesses. The adjustment and simplification of this process is expected to shorten the time and costs for businesses.

According to information from the Import-Export Department of the Ministry of Industry and Trade, 31 out of 34 localities have now independently implemented the issuance of Certificates of Origin (C/O). In the future, instead of the Ministry and localities jointly implementing the issuance process, the Ministry will cease issuing C/Os. Localities will take the initiative in handling all these procedures. The Ministry will also strengthen measures to ensure a faster and simpler C/O issuance process.

Mr. Nguyen Anh Son, Director of the Import-Export Department, Ministry of Industry and Trade, stated: "We are strengthening the issuance of electronic Certificates of Origin (C/O). Currently, through the eCoSys system, 14 electronic C/O forms have been issued. The Ministry of Industry and Trade has upgraded the software and servers for C/O issuance. The Ministry also encourages businesses to self-certify and issue C/Os."

Exporting businesses appreciate the efforts of the Ministry of Industry and Trade, as simplifying local procedures will help businesses reduce travel costs, waiting times for results, and the need for additional documentation, facilitating faster delivery. However, businesses also suggest the need for consistency and coordination among relevant agencies to streamline the customs clearance process.

Mr. Nguyen Kim Hung, Vice President of the Vietnam Association of Small and Medium Enterprises, stated: "One of the most important things to do soon is to synchronize the national database among localities, ministries, and agencies. Without synchronization, for example, import and export are managed by the Ministry of Industry and Trade, but the Ministry of Finance manages taxes and customs, and the Ministry of Health manages food safety and hygiene. If there is no synchronization, people have to go to many different agencies to complete the same procedures and wait for the same process."

In addition to simplifying and decentralizing export procedures in 2025, the Ministry of Industry and Trade has reduced the cost of issuing Certificates of Origin (C/O) from 60,000 VND to 30,000 VND. The Ministry will continue to further reduce this cost this year to support businesses in optimizing costs amidst market fluctuations.

Source: Vietnam.vn