[Answer] What C/O form is required for goods exported to Canada?

C/O is a necessary document when exporting goods to Canada that businesses need to pay attention to. There are many types of C/O forms. To know which C/O form to apply for when exporting to Canada, businesses should seek support from a freight service provider (such as 3W Logistics) to identify the correct form and ensure smooth customs clearance.

1. What is a C/O (Certificate of Origin)?

C/O stands for Certificate of Origin. It is a certificate issued by a competent authority in Vietnam to confirm the place of production of goods, determine applicable export tariffs for other countries, and meet the requirements of importers.

Types of C/O forms:

– Form A: For countries under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP). – Form B: For countries without preferential tariff agreements with Vietnam. – Form D: For ASEAN countries under the Common Effective Preferential Tariff (CEPT) scheme. – Form E: For China and ASEAN countries under the ASEAN-China Free Trade Agreement. – Form O: For coffee exports to countries in the International Coffee Organization (ICO). – Form T: For textiles and garments exported to the EU under the Vietnam-EU Textile Agreement. – Form S: For goods exported to Laos under the Vietnam-Laos Agreement. – Form X: For processed garments with an export certificate. – Form CPTPP: For member countries of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). – Form AK: For South Korea and ASEAN countries under the ASEAN-Korea Agreement. – Form GSTP: For countries under the Global System of Trade Preferences (GSTP).

>> See also: Container shipping services

2. Which C/O form is required for exporting goods to Canada?

When exporting goods to Canada, businesses need to apply for C/O Form A and CPTPP. Details are as follows:

2.1 Exporting goods to Canada requires C/O Form A

C/O Form A is a certificate issued under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP). Goods entering Canada can enjoy GSP tariff incentives.

C/O Form A is issued by the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) and the Ministry of Industry and Trade. If the application is complete, the certificate can be issued on the same day. If adjustments are needed, the process may take up to 7 days.

Documents required to apply for C/O Form A:

– Application form for C/O Form A. – Copy of the completed customs declaration. – Copy of the commercial invoice. – Copy of the bill of lading or equivalent transport documents. – List of HS codes of input materials and finished products (with criteria for product transformation or specific processing stages). – Copy of the production process of the goods. – Copy of customs declaration and import documents for raw materials or auxiliary materials used in production (if imported materials are used). – Copy of domestic purchase contracts or VAT invoices for materials (if domestic materials are used). – Export license (if any).

– Other necessary documents and papers.

Procedure for declaring C/O Form A:

– Submit the application on the Comis system and scan the attached documents. – Once the declaration is completed, the VCCI system will automatically issue a C/O number. The business receives the C/O number and can edit the application if the C/O officer has not yet confirmed it. – The business submits the application to VCCI. – VCCI receives the registration application from the business. – The C/O officer reviews the application. If the application is incomplete, the officer rejects it and enters the reason for rejection. The business will then provide the missing documents as requested. If the application is complete, the officer issues the C/O to the business. – C/O Form A, once signed and stamped by VCCI, is delivered to the business.

2.2 Exporting goods to Canada requires C/O Form CPTPP

C/O Form CPTPP is a certificate of origin for countries under the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). Canada is a member of this agreement, so goods exported to this market enjoy preferential tariffs.

C/O Form CPTPP is issued by the Ministry of Industry and Trade, with an estimated processing time of 1–2 days.

Documents required for C/O Form CPTPP:

– Application form for C/O. – Ecosys/Comis system documents. – Export declaration. – Barcode. – Commercial invoice. – Packing list. – Bill of lading. – List of raw and auxiliary materials. – Material consumption norms. – Production process. – Import declaration and input invoices.

Procedure for issuing C/O Form CPTPP:

– Declare the application on the Ministry of Industry and Trade’s website. If the business is not yet registered as a trader, prepare trader documents and register an account on the Ecosys system. – Submit the documents to the Ministry of Industry and Trade for review. The officer checks the application. – The C/O number is issued, and the business receives C/O data from the Ministry’s website. – The officer approves and stamps the C/O form. The management agency keeps one copy and gives the other to the business.

>> See also: Shipping goods to Canada by sea

Businesses need to prepare complete documentation and ensure accurate information for a fast C/O issuance process

3. Advantages of exporting goods to Canada with 3W Logistics

3W Logistics is a reputable and professional international freight service provider trusted by many businesses. Key advantages of shipping goods to Canada through 3W Logistics include:

The company has an experienced team in customs procedures, assisting in verifying C/O validity or registering C/O for businesses. Customers do not need to handle the paperwork themselves, as 3W Logistics prepares all documents, ensures accuracy, and completes registration quickly.

Additionally, exporting to Canada requires FMC license and bond. 3W Logistics, as an OTI-NVOCC with FMC license and bond, can self-issue HBL and E-Manifest files using its own SCAC code—something very few international freight companies can do. This ensures smooth and timely delivery of goods.

3W Logistics also partners with many major carriers to offer competitive shipping rates. The company provides tailored shipping solutions to meet business needs and minimize costs.

> Contact 3W Logistics for consultation and detailed quotes HERE.

3W Logistics handles a wide range of goods, including agricultural and aquatic products, textiles, wood and furniture, and consumer goods

Above is the answer to the question of which C/O form is needed for exporting to Canada. In general, businesses should choose a reliable international shipping service provider to ensure fast and accurate C/O issuance, making the export process smooth and efficient.