1. The date by which the certificate worked
A certificate was valid for twelve months from the date of issue, tied to the date of the agreement’s entry into force for China (1 January 2022).
2. What that means for a shipment
A consignment that ships in November may be presented at destination in December, still within validity.
A consignment presented after expiry cannot be used to claim preference, unless the agreement permits late claim.
3. The two dates that must be distinguished
Date of issue
When the certificate was issued in China.
Date of presentation
When the importer presents it for clearance.
4. The direction of travel
China has moved to electronic certificates and to a system of verifying the certificate by number.
This shortens clearance and reduces the scope for mismatch between paper and digital records.
5. What exporters should verify
Confirm the certificate number reaches the importer before arrival.
Confirm the certificate data has been transmitted.
Confirm the importer’s declaration references the certificate number.
6. The problems with late arrival
A certificate that arrives after the goods is a customs event.
The importer declares at MFN and claims the difference afterwards, which is a refund process.
7. A working habit
Send the certificate number to the importer as soon as it is issued, not with the original document set.
8. Closing view
The certificate is a digital as well as a paper document now.
Coordinating the two is what makes the preference land on the first declaration.
*This article is based on RCEP certificate procedures and Chinese customs practice.*