Vietnam-Japan trade is opening up countless opportunities for businesses, but how can Vietnamese goods overcome tariff barriers and conquer this demanding market?
The answer lies in C/O Form VJ – a certificate of origin that helps businesses enjoy preferential tariffs, even 0%, under the Vietnam-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (VJEPA). So, what is C/O Form VJ, how do you declare it, and how can you apply for it quickly? Let Trường Thành Logistics, an experienced logistics provider, explore the details of C/O Form VJ, from its significance to the process, to help businesses take Vietnamese goods further!
C/O Form VJ – A Passport for Vietnam-Japan Goods
C/O Form VJ is a certificate of origin of goods, confirming that products originate from Vietnam or Japan, issued under the VJEPA agreement. This document allows exporting businesses to enjoy special preferential tax rates, often 0% depending on the item, in bilateral trade. From agricultural and aquatic products to textiles and electronics components, C/O Form VJ is a tool that helps Vietnamese goods meet Japan’s strict requirements while reducing import costs.
What benefits does C/O Form VJ bring to businesses?
C/O Form VJ is not just a legal requirement but also a lever to help businesses compete:
+ Cost Savings: Leverage tariff preferences from VJEPA, significantly reducing import costs and increasing profits.
+ Origin Confirmation: Prove that goods meet the rules of origin, satisfying Japanese customs requirements.
+ Increased Credibility: Products with C/O Form VJ are seen as a guarantee of quality, building trust with partners and consumers.
+ Shortened Customs Clearance Time: Minimize additional inspections, avoiding delays or legal risks.
Instructions for Completing C/O Form VJ – Simple and Accurate
According to Circular 10/2009/TT-BCT, C/O Form VJ must be completed in English, clearly typed, with no erasures or corrections. Here are detailed instructions:
+ Box 1 – Exporter’s Name, Address and Country: Enter the name and address of the exporting company and the country (Vietnam/Japan).
+ Box 2 – Importer’s Name or Consignee’s Name, Address and Country: Enter the name and address of the importer or consignee and the country.
+ Box 3 – Transport Details: Enter transport information: port of loading/discharge, transshipment port, vessel name or flight number (if any).
+ Box 4 – Item Number, Marks and Numbers, Number and Kind of Packages, HS Code, Description of Goods: List the item number, package markings, quantity, type of packages, HS Code (6 digits), and description of goods.
+ Box 5 – Preference Criteria: Enter the origin criteria (e.g., WO – Wholly Obtained, RVC – Regional Value Content).
+ Box 6 – Weight or Other Quantity: Enter the gross/net weight or other quantity.
+ Box 7 – Invoice Number(s) and Date(s): Enter the number and date of the commercial invoice for the shipment.
+ Box 8 – Remarks: Enter special notes, such as:
– “Issued Retroactively” if issued after shipment.
– “CERTIFIED TRUE COPY” for certified true copies.
– Reference number and date of the original C/O if re-issued.
+ Box 9 – Declaration by the Exporter: Enter the date, place, signature, company name, and seal of the exporter.
+ Box 10 – Certification: To be completed by the issuing authority with date, place, signature, and seal. Note: Carefully check the HS Code and origin criteria, as these are two factors that Japanese customs can easily reject if incorrect. If you encounter difficulties, contact Trường Thành Logistics immediately for assistance.
Procedure for Applying for C/O Form VJ – Efficient Step by Step Required Documents
The set of documents for applying for C/O Form VJ includes:
+ Application for C/O: According to Form in Appendix 9 of Circular 10/2009/TT-BCT, fully completed.
+ C/O Form VJ Template: Fully completed according to Appendix 6.
+ Export Customs Declaration: Certified copy.
+ Commercial Invoice: Original or copy.
+ Bill of Lading: Bill of Lading, Airway Bill, or equivalent document.
+ Documents Proving Origin (if necessary): List of materials, production process, invoices for purchased materials.
C/O Form VJ Application Process
+ Trader Profile Registration:
– First-time registration via the eCoSys system (www.ecosys.gov.vn) or direct submission to the issuing authority.
– Signature and Seal Specimen (Appendix 11).
– Certified copy of the Business Registration Certificate and Tax Identification Number.
– List of Production Facilities (Appendix 10, if any).
+ Document Submission: Send via eCoSys, directly, or by post to the Department of Import-Export Management.
+ Document Check:
– Valid is processed within 3 working days.
– If incomplete, the business will be requested to supplement documents.
+ Refusal to Issue if:
– Documents is invalid, contradictory, or handwritten/erased.
– Goods do not meet the rules of origin.
– Submitted to the wrong authority or fraudulent acts are involved.
C/O Issuance and Return: The issuing authority affixes the seal, records it, and returns the C/O to the business. Trường Thành Logistics provides comprehensive support, from preparing documents to tracking the process, ensuring businesses receive the C/O on time, without disrupting export plans.
C/O Form VJ and C/O Form AJ – Distinguish to Choose Correctly
C/O Form VJ and C/O Form AJ can be easily confused, but there are clear differences:
+ C/O Form VJ: Under the VJEPA agreement, applicable to goods originating from Vietnam or Japan, prioritizing bilateral trade.
+ C/O Form AJ: Under the AJCEP (ASEAN – Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership) agreement, for goods from Vietnam and ASEAN countries exported to Japan. Depending on partner requirements and preferential tax rates, C/O Form VJ is often preferred in Vietnam-Japan trade due to lower tax rates.
Authority Issuing C/O Form VJ
C/O Form VJ is issued by agencies under the Ministry of Industry and Trade:
+ Hanoi: Department of Import-Export Management, 54 Hai Ba Trung, Hoan Kiem.
+ Ho Chi Minh City: Department of Import-Export Management, 12 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, District 1.
+ Da Nang: Department of Import-Export Management, 7B Cach Mang Thang Tam, Hai Chau.
Golden Notes When Applying for C/O Form VJ
+ Ensure Rules of Origin: Goods must meet the rules of origin of VJEPA (WO, PE, or RVC).
+ Invoice Information Match: Invoice number and goods description must be consistent with the C/O.
+ Handling Lost/Damaged C/O: Apply for a certified true copy with the words “CERTIFIED TRUE COPY” within 1 year from the date of the original issue.
+ Avoid Errors: Do not handwrite, erase, or use multiple ink colors to avoid rejection.
+ Submit Early: Prepare documents before exporting to ensure timely customs clearance.
Trường Thành Logistics – Accompanying Exporting Businesses With over 10 years of experience, Trường Thành Logistics offers:
+ In-depth Consultation: Support in completing C/O Form VJ, accurately determining the rules of origin.
+ Turnkey Service: Preparing documents, submitting, and tracking the C/O issuance process.
+ International Network: Coordination with Japanese customs and partners, ensuring fast customs clearance.
+ Transparent Costs: Clear quotations, no hidden fees.
+ 24/7 Support: A team of experts ready to answer all inquiries.
Let Trường Thành Logistics help you leverage C/O Form VJ to take Vietnamese goods to conquer the Japanese market. Contact us now for a free consultation.
For assistance with import and export information, international freight, sea transport or import entrustment, please contact Truong Thanh Logistics at the address:
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