1. The two documents
The certificate of origin and the export licence answer different questions.
2. The certificate of origin
Where the goods were made, and whether they qualify for a preferential rate.
3. The export licence
Whether the goods may be exported at all.
4. The overlap
Both are checked at the declaration.
Both can delay a shipment.
5. The case that confuses them
An exporter applies for a licence when a certificate was needed, or the reverse.
6. The scenario
A company needed both for a regulated product exported to an FTA partner.
The licence application was made; the certificate application was not, on the assumption that the licence covered origin.
7. The lesson
The licence authorises. The certificate declares.
8. The work
Two applications, two lead times.
9. Closing view
Neither substitutes for the other.
*This article is based on China’s export licensing administration and certificate of origin practice.*