CO Form VI is one of the most important documents for exporters and importers trading between Vietnam and Israel under the Vietnam–Israel Free Trade Agreement (VIFTA). This Certificate of Origin determines whether eligible goods can receive preferential tariff treatment when imported into either country.

In this guide, you’ll learn what CO Form VI is, its legal framework, origin requirements, application procedures, and practical guidance for completing the form accurately to minimize delays and maximize tariff benefits.

1. What Is CO Form VI?

CO Form VI (Certificate of Origin Form VI) is the official Certificate of Origin issued under the Vietnam–Israel Free Trade Agreement (VIFTA). It certifies that exported goods originate in Vietnam or Israel and qualify for preferential tariff treatment under the Agreement.

The Vietnam–Israel Free Trade Agreement was established to strengthen bilateral trade by reducing or eliminating import duties on a wide range of products, including textiles, footwear, seafood, agricultural products, machinery, electronics, and industrial goods.

By presenting a valid CO Form VI, importers can claim preferential tariff rates instead of paying the standard Most Favoured Nation (MFN) duty.

Note: CO Form VI is exclusively used for trade between Vietnam and Israel. It should not be confused with other preferential Certificates of Origin such as CO Form VC (Vietnam–Chile), CO Form VJ (Vietnam–Japan), or CO Form EUR.1 UK (Vietnam–United Kingdom).

Sample of CO Form VI

Supplementary Declaration for CO Form VI

Download the CO Form VI Sample (PDF)

Download the Supplementary Declaration Form (PDF)

2. Legal Basis of CO Form VI

The rules governing CO Form VI are established under Circular No. 11/2024/TT-BCT, issued by the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT).

This Circular provides comprehensive guidance on the Rules of Origin applicable under the Vietnam–Israel Free Trade Agreement, including:

  • Origin criteria for qualifying goods.
  • Product Specific Rules (PSR).
  • Procedures for applying for Certificates of Origin.
  • Verification procedures.
  • The official CO Form VI template.

In addition to the traditional Certificate of Origin issued by authorized authorities, the Circular also recognizes two alternative origin certification methods under VIFTA:

  • Self-certification issued by approved exporters.
  • Origin declarations for qualifying low-value non-commercial shipments.

2.1 Authorities Authorized to Issue CO Form VI

In Vietnam, CO Form VI is issued by the Regional Import and Export Management Offices under the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT), as well as other organizations officially authorized by the Ministry.

The application procedures are similar to those used for other preferential Certificates of Origin under Free Trade Agreements such as EVFTA, CPTPP, UKVFTA, and RCEP.

3. Origin Criteria for CO Form VI

Under the Vietnam–Israel Free Trade Agreement (VIFTA), goods are considered originating if they satisfy one of the origin criteria specified in the Agreement. These rules are the basis for determining whether a product qualifies for preferential tariff treatment under CO Form VI.

Origin CriterionDescription
Wholly Obtained (WO)Goods entirely obtained or produced in Vietnam or Israel without using non-originating materials.
Produced Exclusively from Originating MaterialsGoods manufactured entirely from materials that already qualify as originating in Vietnam or Israel.
Produced Using Non-Originating MaterialsGoods manufactured with non-originating materials that satisfy the applicable Product Specific Rules (PSR), such as tariff classification changes or Regional Value Content (RVC).

The Product Specific Rules (PSR) applicable to each HS code are provided in Appendix I of Circular No. 11/2024/TT-BCT. Depending on the product, exporters may need to satisfy one or more origin criteria, including:

  • Change in Chapter (CC)
  • Change in Tariff Heading (CTH)
  • Change in Tariff Subheading (CTSH)
  • Regional Value Content (RVC)
  • Other product-specific manufacturing requirements

Before applying for CO Form VI, exporters should verify the applicable origin rule for their HS code to ensure compliance with VIFTA requirements.

4. How to Complete CO Form VI

CO Form VI must be completed in English and typed clearly. All information should be consistent with the commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, customs declaration, and other supporting export documents.

  1. Box 1: Enter the full legal name, address, and country of the exporter (Vietnam or Israel).
  2. Box 2: Enter the full name and address of the importer or consignee.
  3. Reference Number (Top Right Corner): Reserved for the issuing authority. It contains the official Certificate of Origin reference number.
  4. Box 3: Provide transportation details, including the vessel or flight number (if available), departure date, and port of discharge.
  5. Boxes 4–6: Describe the exported goods, including marks and numbers, package quantity, product description, gross weight or quantity, and HS code.
  6. Box 7: State the applicable origin criterion for each product, such as WO, CTH, CTSH, CC, RVC, or the relevant Product Specific Rule.
  7. Box 8: Enter the commercial invoice number and invoice date.
  8. Box 9: The exporter signs, stamps, and declares that all information provided is accurate.
  9. Box 10: Completed by the authorized issuing organization, including official signature and stamp.

Important: Any inconsistency between CO Form VI and the supporting export documents may result in rejection by the importing customs authority or denial of preferential tariff treatment.

5. Required Documents for CO Form VI Application

Before applying for CO Form VI, exporters should prepare a complete application dossier as required by the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the authorized issuing organization.

  • Completed application form for Certificate of Origin.
  • Duly completed CO Form VI.
  • Commercial Invoice.
  • Bill of Lading (B/L) or equivalent transport document.
  • Completed Export Customs Declaration.
  • Manufacturing records and supporting documents demonstrating compliance with the applicable origin criteria.
  • Bill of Materials (BOM), cost statement, or other origin-supporting documents, where required.

Depending on the product category and origin criterion, the issuing authority may request additional documents to verify compliance with the Rules of Origin under VIFTA.

6. CO Form VI Application Process

Applying for CO Form VI involves several steps to verify that exported goods comply with the Rules of Origin under the Vietnam–Israel Free Trade Agreement (VIFTA). A complete and accurate application helps exporters avoid delays and ensures that importers can claim preferential tariff treatment.

  1. Register the exporter profile.
    First-time applicants must complete the trader registration process with the Ministry of Industry and Trade or the authorized Certificate of Origin issuing organization.
  2. Prepare the application dossier.
    Gather all required documents, including the completed CO Form VI, commercial invoice, bill of lading, export customs declaration, and supporting documents proving the origin of the goods.
  3. Submit the application.
    Applications can be submitted electronically through the eCoSys system or directly to an authorized CO issuing authority.
  4. Origin verification.
    The issuing authority reviews the submitted documents and verifies whether the goods satisfy the applicable origin criteria under VIFTA.
  5. Issuance of CO Form VI.
    If the application meets all requirements, the authorized officer signs, stamps, and issues the Certificate of Origin.
  6. Present the Certificate to Customs.
    The importer submits the original CO Form VI to the customs authority in the importing country to claim preferential tariff treatment under VIFTA.

Example: A Vietnamese footwear manufacturer exporting products to Israel may need to demonstrate that the goods satisfy the applicable Change in Tariff Heading (CTH) rule by providing production records and material declarations before CO Form VI is issued.

7. Comparison Between CO Form VI and Other Certificate of Origin Forms

Vietnam participates in numerous Free Trade Agreements, each with its own Certificate of Origin form. Choosing the correct C/O is essential for obtaining preferential tariff treatment in the destination market.

Learn more about Certificates of Origin (C/O).

Certificate of OriginApplicable AgreementTrading Partners
CO Form VIVIFTAVietnam – Israel
CO Form VCVCFTAVietnam – Chile
CO Form VJVJEPAVietnam – Japan
CO Form EUR.1 UKUKVFTAVietnam – United Kingdom
CO Form TRVFTAVietnam – Türkiye

Each Certificate of Origin is governed by a different Free Trade Agreement and follows its own Rules of Origin. Exporters should always verify the applicable agreement and destination market before applying for a Certificate of Origin.

Tip: Applying for the wrong Certificate of Origin may cause customs authorities to reject preferential tariff claims, resulting in higher import duties and customs clearance delays.

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is CO Form VI used for?

CO Form VI is used to certify that goods exported between Vietnam and Israel meet the Rules of Origin under the Vietnam–Israel Free Trade Agreement (VIFTA). It enables eligible importers to claim preferential tariff rates when importing qualifying goods.

2. Which countries use CO Form VI?

CO Form VI applies exclusively to trade between Vietnam and Israel under VIFTA. It cannot be used for exports to other countries or under other Free Trade Agreements.

3. Who issues CO Form VI in Vietnam?

CO Form VI is issued by the Regional Import and Export Management Offices under the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT) and other organizations officially authorized by the Ministry.

4. What legal document governs CO Form VI?

The issuance and Rules of Origin for CO Form VI are regulated by Circular No. 11/2024/TT-BCT issued by Vietnam’s Ministry of Industry and Trade, implementing the Rules of Origin under VIFTA.

5. Is CO Form VI mandatory for every shipment?

No. CO Form VI is required only when an exporter or importer wishes to claim preferential tariff treatment under VIFTA. Certain qualifying low-value non-commercial shipments may instead use an origin declaration in accordance with the Agreement.

6. Where can exporters submit a CO Form VI application?

Applications may be submitted electronically through the eCoSys system or directly to an authorized Certificate of Origin issuing organization in Vietnam.

7. What happens if CO Form VI contains incorrect information?

Incorrect or inconsistent information may result in customs authorities rejecting the Certificate of Origin, delaying customs clearance, or denying preferential tariff treatment. Exporters should carefully review all supporting documents before submission.

8. Can CO Form VI be issued after shipment?

Yes. Subject to the provisions of VIFTA and applicable regulations, CO Form VI may be issued retrospectively in certain circumstances when the exporter satisfies the prescribed conditions.

9. Conclusion

CO Form VI is an essential Certificate of Origin for businesses trading between Vietnam and Israel under the Vietnam–Israel Free Trade Agreement (VIFTA). A properly completed Certificate enables exporters and importers to benefit from preferential tariff rates while facilitating smoother customs clearance.

Before applying for CO Form VI, exporters should:

  1. Confirm that the destination market is covered by VIFTA.
  2. Determine the correct origin criterion applicable to the exported goods.
  3. Prepare a complete set of supporting documents demonstrating compliance with the Rules of Origin.
  4. Ensure that all information declared on CO Form VI matches the commercial invoice, customs declaration, transport documents, and other supporting records.
  5. Submit the application through the appropriate authorized issuing authority to avoid unnecessary delays.

By understanding the Rules of Origin and following the correct application procedures, businesses can maximize the benefits offered by VIFTA and improve the efficiency of their international trade operations.

Need Assistance with CO Form VI?

Preparing a Certificate of Origin requires a thorough understanding of origin rules, product-specific requirements, and customs regulations. Errors in origin declarations may lead to customs delays, additional costs, or the loss of preferential tariff benefits.

3W Logistics provides comprehensive customs brokerage and Certificate of Origin consulting services, helping exporters comply with Free Trade Agreement requirements, including those under VIFTA.

  • Origin Expertise: Professional guidance on Rules of Origin for more than 20 Certificate of Origin forms currently used in Vietnam.
  • Customs Brokerage Services: End-to-end customs declaration support and export documentation preparation.
  • Global Logistics Network: International ocean freight, air freight, trucking, and multimodal transportation solutions connecting Vietnam with Israel and worldwide markets.
  • Efficient Documentation Processing: Reduce processing time while minimizing risks associated with customs clearance, storage charges, demurrage, and detention.

If your business requires assistance with CO Form VI applications, customs procedures, or international freight forwarding, contact 3W Logistics today for professional support.

Contact Information

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