Choosing The Right C/O Form: A Strategy For Profit Optimisation In Exports
03/04/2026
In export, choosing the right C/O Form is not merely a formality – it is the key for businesses to save millions in customs duties.
C/O Definition and Importance for Export Businesses
C/O (Certificate of Origin) is one of the most critical documents in an import-export dossier. Issued by competent authorities, this document certifies that goods are manufactured or processed in compliance with origin criteria in a specific country.
For Vietnamese export businesses, a C/O provides three practical benefits:
C/O (Certificate of Origin) is one of the most critical documents in an import-export dossier. Issued by competent authorities, this document certifies that goods are manufactured or processed in compliance with origin criteria in a specific country.
For Vietnamese export businesses, a C/O provides three practical benefits:
- Preferential Tariff Treatment: Most Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) involving Viet Nam offer preferential tax rates ranging from 0% to significantly lower than standard MFN rates, provided a valid C/O is presented.
- Enhanced Competitive Advantage: Goods with clear origin certification facilitate smoother customs clearance, build trust with import partners, and allow businesses to compete on price against other suppliers.
- Compliance with Mandatory Import Requirements: Many markets require a C/O as a mandatory condition for customs clearance, regardless of whether tax incentives apply.
However, many businesses encounter serious errors, such as selecting the incorrect Form for a specific market, preparing incorrect documentation leading to rejection, or inaccurate declarations resulting in the loss of tax incentives.
Common C/O Forms for Vietnamese Businesses
Viet Nam is currently a member of various FTAs, each corresponding to one or more specific C/O Forms. Choosing the correct Form is the prerequisite for applying preferential tariffs.
| No. | C/O Form | Target Market | Agreement (FTA) | Legal Basis |
| 1 | Form D | ASEAN Internal Market | ATIGA | Circular 10/2022/TT-BCT |
| 2 | Form E | China | ACFTA | Circular 12/2019/TT-BCT |
| 3 | Form EUR.1 | European Union (EU) | EVFTA | Circular 11/2020/TT-BCT |
| 4 | Form AK/ VK | Korea | AKFTA / VKFTA | Circular 20/2014/TT-BCT & Circular 40/2015/TT-BCT |
| 5 | Form AJ/ VJ | Japan | AJCEP / VJEPA | Circular No. 20/2014/TT-BCT, as amended by Article 2 of Circular No. 04/2024/TT-BCT & Circular No. 10/2009/TT-BCT |
| 6 | Form AI | India | AIFTA | Circular 15/2010/TT-BCT |
| 7 | Form S/X | Laos / Cambodia | Border Trade Agreements | Circular 04/2010/TT-BCT & Circular 17/2011/TT-BCT |
| 8 | Form VC | Chile | VCFTA | Circular 31/2013/TT-BCT |
| 9 | Form B | Other Markets | Non-preferential | Circular 05/2018/TT-BCT |
Important Note: For certain markets like Korea or Japan, businesses can choose between regional Forms (AK, AJ) or bilateral Forms (VK, VJ). Selecting the correct Form ensures tax optimisation; selecting the incorrect Form results in the loss of incentives and potential penalties for inaccurate declarations.
Distinguishing Form E Authorised and Form E Third Party Invoicing
Among C/O Forms, Form E (ACFTA) is the most frequently used but also the most prone to confusion, particularly in transactions involving intermediaries.
When importing from China where the manufacturer is not the direct party on the contract but operates through another entity, Form E will fall into one of two categories: Authorised or Third Party Invoicing.
Failure to distinguish these correctly often leads to Viet Nam Customs rejecting the C/O, forcing businesses to pay 100% of the import duty.
>> Case 1: Authorised C/O (Entrusted / Authorised)
Case Description: The manufacturer produces the goods but lacks an export licence or does not wish to handle procedures. They hire a trading company in China to act as the exporter. The commercial invoice is issued by this trading company to the buyer.
- Box 1 (Exporter): Name of the Authorised Trading Company.
- Box 7 (Description of Goods): Must include the phrase: "MANUFACTURER: [Actual Manufacturer Name]".
- Box 13: Do NOT tick "Third Party Invoicing".
>> Case 2: Third Party Invoicing C/O
Case Description: The buyer purchases goods through an intermediary in a third country (e.g. Hong Kong, Singapore) to benefit from price differences, but goods are shipped directly from the Chinese factory to Viet Nam. The commercial invoice is issued by the third-party company.
- Box 1 (Exporter): Name of the actual Manufacturer/Exporter in China. (Do not enter the Hong Kong/Singapore entity here).
- Box 7 (Description of Goods): Must include the name and address of the third-party invoice issuer.
- Box 10 (Invoice No.): Must reflect the invoice number issued by the third party.
- Box 13: MUST tick "Third Party Invoicing".
Risk Mitigation Solutions in C/O Declaration
To protect financial interests and ensure smooth customs clearance, businesses should implement strict control measures:
- Verify the nature of the transaction before instructing partners to complete the C/O.
- Identify the actual invoice issuer and the actual exporter.
- Cross-check C/O information against the Invoice, Packing List, and Bill of Lading before accepting documents.
- Consult logistics experts or units experienced in Form E processing before signing commercial contracts.
Vantage Logistics Supports C/O Optimisation for Businesses
With specialised experience in logistics and international trade, Vantage Logistics provides comprehensive C/O consultancy and support services for Vietnamese export and import businesses:
- Consultancy on selecting the correct C/O Form for specific markets and commodities.
- Verification of origin criteria to ensure goods meet agreement rules.
- Support in dossier preparation to minimise risks of document rejection or loss of tax incentives.
- Guidance on distinguishing specialised cases such as Authorised and Third Party C/O.
- Fast and accurate C/O processing to meet shipping deadlines.