1. What it is
CCPIT issues certificates of origin as one of its core commercial functions, alongside China Customs.
The process is the same as any certificate of origin: register as an exporter, file electronically, obtain issuance, print or collect.
2. Registration
The exporter registers with CCPIT, providing:
Business licence.
Foreign trade operator registration.
Company details including the English name.
Product information, where pre-assessment is required.
The English company name is where most problems start. Confirm it matches the name on the customs declaration and on the commercial invoice.
3. Product pre-assessment
Where the product contains imported materials, or where the origin criterion requires a determination, CCPIT may require a product pre-assessment.
The pre-assessment records the product’s composition, the origin criteria it satisfies, and the cost breakdown supporting the determination.
Once done, it can be reused for subsequent certificates for the same product, provided nothing changes.
Where the product changes, or the supplier of a key material changes, the pre-assessment should be revisited.
4. Filing
The electronic filing records:
Exporter and consignee details.
Transport details, including port of loading and discharge.
Goods description, HS code, quantity, packages, invoice reference and date.
Origin criterion.
The goods description needs to be specific enough to support classification in the destination’s national schedule.
5. Review and issuance
CCPIT reviews the filing for completeness and consistency with the pre-assessment where one exists.
Review time is typically one to two working days for complete filings.
6. Printing
Where CCPIT supports self-printing, the certificate is printed on designated security paper with a dot matrix printer.
Where it does not, the certificate is collected from the CCPIT office.
Confirm which applies in the locality and for the certificate type.
7. The preferential certificates
CCPIT issues preferential certificates under the various free trade agreements, where it is authorised to do so.
The filing process is similar; the certificate format and origin criterion differ by agreement.
Confirm which body is authorised for the specific agreement. Where both customs and CCPIT issue it, either is valid unless a credit or contract names one.
8. Common errors
English name inconsistency
The name on the certificate, the customs declaration and the invoice should correspond.
Stale pre-assessment
The product changed and the pre-assessment did not.
Vague goods description
Destination queries follow.
Invoice reissued after filing
The certificate references an invoice number that no longer exists.
Assuming CCPIT certification equals notarization
Where the destination requires a notarial act, a CCPIT certificate is not a substitute.
9. Timing
Complete filing: one to two working days.
Where a pre-assessment is required and not yet done: add the assessment time, which can be several days.
10. Closing view
CCPIT certificate processing is a routine function that runs smoothly when the exporter registration is accurate and the product pre-assessment is current.
The failures concentrate in those two places rather than in the filing itself.
*This article is based on the certificate of origin services provided by the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade. Exporters should confirm current procedures with their local CCPIT office.*