International markets are placing increasing pressure on goods exported from Vietnam, particularly regarding supply chain transparency and the ability to demonstrate compliance with rules of origin.

• New approach: Instead of focusing heavily on pre-clearance inspections that may prolong processing times, authorities are shifting toward a risk-based post-verification mechanism. This change aims to streamline procedures and reduce waiting times for businesses with a strong compliance record.
• Resource prioritization: Regulatory agencies will focus inspections on high-risk industries, suspicious cases, or verification requests received from foreign Customs authorities, rather than conducting broad and resource-intensive inspections.

Key takeaway: While the new approach may reduce administrative burdens, businesses will need to strengthen internal origin management systems and maintain comprehensive supporting documentation to prepare for post-verification activities.

• Separation of verification activities: A clear distinction is established between document reviews and on-site production facility verification.
• Detailed review criteria: Authorities may assess the validity of C/O documents, compare raw material invoices, examine manufacturing processes, verify HS classifications, and evaluate compliance with Change in Tariff Classification (CTC) requirements.
• Additional risk scenarios: Examples include situations where businesses fail to provide sufficient evidence of raw material origin or where imported materials and finished products share the same HS codes at the 2-digit, 4-digit, or 6-digit level without meeting the applicable origin transformation requirements.

• Expanding the role of Customs authorities in the inspection and verification of export goods origin.
• Establishing a coordinated mechanism among C/O issuing authorities, Customs authorities, and provincial governments for reviewing documentation, production capacity, and raw material sources.
• Standardizing administrative templates such as verification team appointment decisions, questionnaires, and verification reports to ensure consistent implementation nationwide.

• Digitalization through Bots & VBA Solutions: Automating data extraction from source documents, standardizing data templates, supporting raw material consumption tracking, and generating origin criteria reports with high accuracy to prepare for any post-verification review.
• Specialized Consulting Services: Assisting businesses in reviewing documentation, analyzing Product Specific Rules (PSR) under trade agreements such as EVFTA, CPTPP, and RCEP, and preparing technical documentation for on-site verification activities.

Important message: As importing countries continue to strengthen origin verification measures, robust origin management and documentation systems are becoming a key competitive advantage for exporters.

Need Support with C/O Documentation and Origin Compliance?

THT Cargo Logistics is ready to support your business in digitalizing origin-related data, standardizing C/O documentation, managing raw material traceability, and preparing for post-verification audits with confidence.