Certificate of Origin and Form A/GSP Explained

A Certificate of Origin (CO) proves where goods were made. Buyers use it to claim lower import duty under trade agreements.

Why it matters

many countries give Cambodian goods preferential duty rates, but only if you can prove origin.

Common types

• Form A (GSP): exports to countries that give Generalized System of Preferences benefits
• Form D: trade within ASEAN
• Form E: trade with China under the ASEAN-China agreement
• Other forms: trade agreements with other partners, including bilateral and regional agreements
• Non-preferential CO: general proof of origin that does not give a tariff benefit

How to get one

1. Confirm your product qualifies under the origin rules (for example enough local value or a change in tariff classification)
2. Prepare the invoice, packing list, production details and supplier records
3. Apply through the issuing authority, which in Cambodia is generally the Ministry of Commerce through its online system
4. Receive the certificate and send it to your buyer

Tips

• Apply early, because some forms must be issued before or at the time of shipping
• Make sure the goods description matches the invoice exactly
• Keep production records for audits

Preferential schemes and origin rules change, so check the current agreement before you quote prices to a buyer.