Starting August 1, 2026, the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Industry and Trade (DOIT) will officially assume responsibility for issuing Certificates of Origin (C/O) and approving Self-Certification of Origin Authorization Documents under the new decentralization framework introduced by the Government and the Ministry of Industry and Trade.

The policy marks an important step in administrative reform by transferring greater authority to local agencies. The new arrangement is expected to improve the efficiency of C/O processing, shorten administrative procedures, and better support Vietnam’s export activities.

Procedures to be handled by Ho Chi Minh City DOIT

From August 1, 2026, the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Industry and Trade will officially process applications for new Certificates of Origin (C/O), reissuance of C/O, Back-to-Back Certificates of Origin, and Self-Certification of Origin Authorization Documents. 

This decentralization enables the local authority to directly manage key origin-related procedures, improving administrative efficiency, reducing the workload of central agencies, and facilitating export-related administrative processes. 

Online submission process remains unchanged

Although the receiving authority will change effective August 1, 2026, the application process for obtaining a Certificate of Origin (C/O) will remain unchanged. Businesses will continue to submit applications electronically through the ECOSYS platform and the Ministry of Industry and Trade’s Electronic Certificate of Origin Management System. 

Under the new decentralization policy, applicants are required to select the appropriate receiving authority when submitting their applications to ensure they are processed by the competent authority in accordance with the updated regulations. This approach maintains the existing online submission process while facilitating a smoother transition to the new administrative framework. 

Benefits of the New Decentralization Policy

The transfer of C/O issuance authority to the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Industry and Trade is expected to deliver several benefits. First, it will help shorten application processing times by allowing local authorities to handle procedures more efficiently.

Second, decentralization will reduce the administrative burden on central government agencies while enhancing the autonomy of local authorities in providing public services.

In addition, the policy supports Vietnam’s ongoing administrative reform and digital transformation efforts, contributing to a more efficient business environment and facilitating international trade.

Why is the Certificate of Origin (C/O) important?

A Certificate of Origin (C/O) is an official document that certifies the country or territory where goods are wholly obtained, produced, or have undergone substantial transformation. It serves as proof of the origin of exported goods and is an essential document in international trade, particularly when importing countries require origin verification or when exporters seek preferential tariff treatment under Free Trade Agreements (FTAs).

For exporters, a Certificate of Origin plays a crucial role in facilitating cross-border trade. It enables eligible goods to benefit from reduced or preferential tariff rates under various FTAs, helps satisfy customs requirements in destination markets, and enhances transparency throughout the international supply chain. As Vietnam continues to expand its participation in major trade agreements such as the CPTPP, EVFTA, UKVFTA, and RCEP, obtaining the appropriate Certificate of Origin has become increasingly important for businesses aiming to maximize tariff preferences, streamline customs clearance procedures, and strengthen the global competitiveness of Vietnamese exports.

Effective August 1, 2026, the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Industry and Trade will officially handle the issuance of Certificates of Origin (C/O) and the approval of Self-Certification of Origin Authorization Documents under the Government’s new decentralization policy.

The move is expected to streamline administrative procedures, improve processing efficiency, strengthen local governance, and better facilitate Vietnam’s export activities while helping businesses take full advantage of preferential tariff commitments under various Free Trade Agreements.

Source: VnEconomy

27/07/2026