If your company is exporting goods to Europe, Japan, Canada, or Norway, C/O Form A is one of the most important export documents that can help importers reduce customs duties significantly.
This article covers everything about C/O Form A: definition, applicable countries, required documents, application procedures, how to fill out the form, and common mistakes businesses should avoid.
1. What is C/O Form A?
1.1 Definition of C/O Form A
C/O Form A (Certificate of Origin Form A) is a certificate of origin used to certify that goods are manufactured in Vietnam and qualify for preferential tariff treatment under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP).
In Vietnam, C.O Form A is issued by the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT) or VCCI under current regulations. If the application dossier is complete and valid, businesses can usually receive the certificate on the same day. If additional verification is required, the processing time may take up to 3 working days.
For applications requiring factory inspections, the issuing authority will notify the enterprise in advance. However, the total verification and issuance period for C/O Form A must not exceed 7 working days according to regulations.
Currently, both the issuance fee and the application form for C.O Form A are completely free of charge.
Besides C.O Form A, there are many other certificate of origin forms used under different free trade agreements and export markets. One of the most common is C/O Form D, which is applied within ASEAN countries.
You can download the c-o-form-a-in-vietnam
1.2 Which countries accept C/O Form A?
Not all countries accept C.O Form A. The form is mainly used for countries that provide GSP tariff preferences for Vietnamese exports.
Countries applying C/O Form A for Vietnam
Important note: Since January 1, 2024, the EU has officially stopped accepting C.O Form A from exporters registered under the REX system. Instead, exporters must self-certify origin through the Registered Exporter System (REX).
If the exporter has not registered for REX yet, C/O Form A issued by VCCI or MOIT may still be temporarily accepted during the transition period. However, businesses should confirm acceptance for each shipment individually.
2. Documents required for C/O Form A application
To apply for C.O Form A, businesses must prepare the following documents:
First-time registration dossier (submitted once):
- Application form for certificate of origin issuance
- Business registration certificate (notarized copy)
- List of export products expected to apply for C/O
- Production process declaration and local content ratio
Documents required for each export shipment:
- C/O Form A application form with complete shipment details
- Commercial Invoice
- Bill of Lading (B/L) or Airway Bill (AWB)
- Export customs declaration with customs clearance confirmation
- Material declaration or bill of materials (if required)
- Sales contract (if requested)
Businesses can submit C.O Form A applications online through ecosys.gov.vn to save time without visiting VCCI or MOIT directly.
3. C/O Form A application process in Vietnam
Step 1 — Register an enterprise account
Register an account on the electronic origin management system at ecosys.gov.vn managed by the Ministry of Industry and Trade.
Step 2 — Declare shipment information
Enter complete shipment details including product description, HS code, quantity, cargo value, importing country, vessel, or flight information.
Step 3 — Upload supporting documents
Upload the Invoice, B/L or AWB, customs declaration, and all related supporting documents for the C.O Form A application.
Step 4 — Submit the application and wait for approval
The issuing authority, including VCCI or regional Import-Export Management Offices under MOIT, will review the dossier. Processing time is normally between 1–3 working days.
Step 5 — Receive the original C/O Form A
Once approved, businesses will receive the original to send together with the shipment or directly to the importer.
4. How to fill out C/O Form A
C.O Form A contains 13 main boxes. Below is a simplified guide to filling out the form correctly and avoiding common errors.
| Box | Field Name | Information Required |
| 01 | Exporter | Full name and address of the exporter in Vietnam |
| 02 | Consignee | Name and address of the consignee in the importing country |
| 03 | Departure Date | Departure date, transport method, and port/airport of loading |
| 04 | For Official Use | Leave blank for the issuing authority |
| 07 | Origin Criterion | State origin criteria: P or W + HS code |
| 08 | Gross Weight | Gross weight matching Invoice and B/L |
| 11 | Declaration by Exporter | Authorized signature and date |
| 12 | Certification | Signed and stamped by the issuing authority |
| 13 | Back-to-back C/O | Tick this box if it is a back-to-back certificate |
5. Frequently asked questions about C/O Form A
5.1 How long is C/O Form A valid?
In most cases, C.O Form A is valid for 12 months from the issuance date, depending on the importing country’s regulations.
5.2 Can businesses apply for C/O Form A after shipment departure?
Yes. Businesses may request retrospective issuance of C/O Form A. In this case, the certificate must contain the phrase “ISSUED RETROSPECTIVELY”.
5.3 What should businesses do if the original C/O Form A is lost?
Businesses can request a Certified True Copy from the authority that issued the original C/O Form A.
5.4 What is the difference between C/O Form A and Form B?
C/O Form A is used for GSP tariff preferences, while Form B is a normal certificate of origin without preferential tariff treatment.
6. 3W Logistics — Customs clearance & export documentation services
Applying for C.O Form A is only one part of the export process. Businesses also need customs declaration services, export documentation preparation, and professional logistics support to ensure smooth customs clearance and on-time delivery.
3W Logistics provides comprehensive export support services for businesses, including:
- Customs clearance services — handling complete import-export customs procedures, including support for C.O Form A applications and document verification
- Air freight services — suitable for urgent export shipments to Europe, Japan, and Canada
- Sea freight services — cost-effective solutions for large export shipments to GSP markets
- Warehousing & distribution services — cargo storage and handling before export
With experience handling export shipments to more than 100 countries, the team at 3W Logistics is ready to advise businesses on the most suitable type of certificate of origin, including C/O Form A, and support the preparation of compliant export documentation from the beginning.
CONTACT INFORMATION
3W Logistics — Ho Chi Minh City Headquarters
Address: 34 Bach Dang Street, Tan Son Hoa Ward, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Hotline: +84 28 3535 0087
3W Logistics — Hai Phong Branch
Address: 8A Lot 28 Le Hong Phong Street, Gia Vien Ward, Hai Phong City, Vietnam
Hotline: +84 225 355 5939
3W Logistics — Hanoi Branch
Address: 81A Tran Quoc Toan Street, Cua Nam Ward, Hanoi, Vietnam
Hotline: +84 24 3202 0482
3W LOGISTICS CO., LTD — We here serve you there!
Email:quote@3w-logistics.com
Website: www.3w-logistics.com
