The Ministry of Industry and Trade has issued Decision No. 1103 to revoke the authority previously granted to the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) for issuing certificates of origin (C/O) and other trade-related certifications. The decision takes effect on April 21, 2025.

Under this decision, the Minister of Industry and Trade has officially withdrawn VCCI’s authority to issue certificates of origin (C/O), certificates of non-manipulation (CNM), and to register REX codes for goods eligible for the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) from Norway and Switzerland.

Previously, the Ministry had granted this authority through several decisions: Decision No. 1234 dated April 12, 2018, which allowed VCCI to issue various C/O forms including Form A, Form B, non-preferential C/O based on importing country regulations, and CNM; Decision No. 1076 dated April 3, 2020, authorizing issuance of GSTP Form C/O; and Decision No. 2795 dated December 16, 2022, for handling REX code registration under the GSP schemes of Norway and Switzerland.

Decision No. 1103 also tasks the Import-Export Department (Ministry of Industry and Trade) with notifying foreign importers, relevant domestic and international organizations, and agencies about the change in issuing authorities for C/O Forms A and B, non-preferential C/Os, CNMs, GSTP Form C/O, and REX code registration, effective April 21, 2025.

In addition, the ministry will implement a seamless transition for issuing all the above C/O forms and registrations to ensure business continuity and minimize disruptions for traders.

The Ministry will also organize the handover and receipt of all C/O-related responsibilities from VCCI, including documents, processes, and activities conducted under previous authorizations.

The Department of E-Commerce and Digital Economy is responsible for maintaining the infrastructure of the electronic Certificate of Origin Management System (eCoSys) to enable smooth issuance of electronic C/Os and collection of related service fees, as well as for managing REX code registrations.

VCCI must cease issuing all C/O Forms A and B, non-preferential C/Os, CNMs, GSTP Form C/Os, and REX code registrations. VCCI is also required to support businesses in updating their application procedures for these certifications.

The Ministry also emphasized that VCCI should lead or coordinate with competent agencies in conducting inspections, verifications, or origin audits related to certificates of origin issued during the period when VCCI was authorized to issue C/O Forms A and B, CNMs, and GSTP certificates, as well as REX codes.

Moreover, VCCI is required to store all relevant records and documentation and fully prepare all materials necessary to facilitate the handover of C/O certification responsibilities to the Ministry of Industry and Trade.

Tam An