Since May 1, 2024, the Free Trade Agreement between the Government of the Peoples Republic of China and the Government of the Republic of Ecuador (hereinafter referred to as the China-Ecuador Free Trade Agreement) has officially come into force. According to this agreement, goods exported to Ecuador can enjoy tariff reductions by virtue of theIt is recommended to verify through the following methods:certificate under the China-Ecuador Free Trade Agreement. This article has sorted out the common questions and answers regarding the handling of the Certificate of Origin under the China-Ecuador Free Trade Agreement to help enterprises handle the procedures smoothly and enjoy preferential policies.

The consignors of export goods and their agents, as well as domestic producers and their agents (collectively referred to as applicants) can apply to the customs for the issuance of the Certificate of Origin under the China-Ecuador Free Trade Agreement. This regulation ensures that enterprises producing and exporting to Ecuador from China can handle relevant procedures legally and compliantly.

To apply for the Certificate of Origin under the China-Ecuador Free Trade Agreement and enjoy preferential treatment, the export goods need to meet one of the following conditions:

1. Goods completely obtained or produced in China.
2. Goods produced in China using only originating materials from China or Ecuador.
3. Goods produced in China using non-originating materials, but falling within the scope of application of the Product-Specific Rules of Origin and meeting the corresponding change in tariff classification or other regulations, or goods with a regional value content of not less than 40%.

The formula for calculating the regional value content is: Regional Value Content = (Free on Board (FOB) price - price of non-originating materials) ÷ FOB price × 100%

Among them, the price of non-originating materials refers to the import cost, freight and insurance premium of non-originating materials determined in accordance with the WTO Agreement on Customs Valuation, including the price of materials of unknown origin.

Enterprises should handle the Certificate of Origin under the China-Ecuador Free Trade Agreement before or at the time of goods shipment. If it fails to be issued in a timely manner due to force majeure, unintentional errors, negligence or other reasonable reasons, it can be reissued within one year from the date of goods shipment.

Applicants can apply for the Certificate of Origin through the following two methods:

1. Log in to the Single Window of China International Trade - Customs Certificate of Origin - Certificate Application.
2. Log in to the Internet + Customs integrated online service platform - Tax business - Certificate of Origin Management - Issuance of Certificate of Origin, and select the Certificate of Origin under the China-Ecuador Free Trade Agreement for declaration.

Select the corresponding origin criteria according to the production situation of the goods:

1. For goods completely obtained or produced in China, select WO.
2. For goods produced using only originating materials from China or Ecuador, select WP.
3. For goods produced using non-originating materials and meeting the scope of application and corresponding regulations of the Product-Specific Rules of Origin, select PSR.
4. For goods not falling within the scope of application of the Product-Specific Rules of Origin but with a regional value content of not less than 40%, select RVC.

For cases where the date of departure from the port and the number of the means of transport are unknown, *** (three asterisks) can be filled in the relevant column. If the customer requests to fill in theLetter of Creditnumber on the Certificate of Origin, it can be filled in the Remarks column of Column 4 of the certificate.

The Certificate of Origin under the China-Ecuador Free Trade Agreement can be self-printed. If the certificate is stolen, lost or accidentally damaged, and it is confirmed that the original certificate has not been used, the applicant can apply in writing to the customs for the issuance of an approved copy of the Certificate of Origin, which has the same validity period as the original certificate.

By following the above guidelines, enterprises can ensure the smooth handling of the Certificate of Origin under the China-Ecuador Free Trade Agreement, enjoy corresponding tariff preferences, and promote the stable development of China-Ecuador trade.