The Certificate of Origin (CO) form AK is a critical document that plays a significant role in the process of importing and exporting goods, particularly for goods destined for South Korea. It confirms the origin of the goods and enables businesses to benefit from customs duty advantages as outlined in the Vietnam-Korea Free Trade Agreement (VKFTA). We, at SSR Logistics, aim to provide comprehensive information about the CO Form for South Korea. This includes the most common CO types, the process of obtaining a CO, and the content of the CO Form AK. We also cover instances where the issuance of CO Form AK might be rejected. Additionally, we present various options for sea freight transportation between Vietnam and South Korea, providing businesses with a range of choices to select the most suitable shipping method.
Certificate of Origin (CO) Forms
What is a Certificate of Origin (CO)?
The Certificate of Origin (C/O) is a crucial document issued by the authorized agency of the exporting country, confirming the origin of the goods. This certificate demonstrates that the goods were produced in the exporting country and are being distributed in the export market, adhering to the rules and principles related to the origin of goods. It is an essential part of the export process, helping to clearly identify the origin and quality of the product as per regulations.
Certificate of Origin (CO) Forms
There are various types of Certificate of Origin (C/O), and to benefit from customs duty advantages, customs declarants need to choose a suitable form for each specific shipment, considering factors such as the type of goods, origin, and exporting country. Below are some commonly chosen C/O forms in the export market:
- C/O Form A (Preference Certificate for Vietnamese Exported Goods): Offers preferences for goods exported from Vietnam, particularly important when leveraging special tariff policies from importing countries.
- C/O Form B (Non-Preference Certificate for Vietnamese Exported Goods): Used in cases where conditions for enjoying tariff preferences are not met.
- C/O Form D (For ASEAN Countries): Applies to goods exported between member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
- C/O Form E (ASEAN – China): Especially important in trade between ASEAN countries and China.
- C/O Form EAV (Vietnam – Economic Union of Asia and Europe): Applies to goods exported between Vietnam and member countries of the Economic Union of Asia and Europe.
- C/O Form AK (ASEAN – South Korea) and Form KV (Vietnam – South Korea): For trade between ASEAN and South Korea, as well as Vietnam and South Korea.
- C/O Form AJ (ASEAN – Japan) and Form VJ (Vietnam – Japan): Designed for goods exported between ASEAN and Japan, as well as Vietnam and Japan.
- C/O Form AI (ASEAN – India): For trade between ASEAN and India.
- C/O Form AANZ (ASEAN – Australia – New Zealand): For goods exported between ASEAN, Australia, and New Zealand.
- C/O Form VC (Vietnam – Chile): Applies to goods exported between Vietnam and Chile.
- C/O Form S (Vietnam – Laos; Vietnam – Cambodia): For trade between Vietnam and neighboring countries Laos and Cambodia.
Choosing the right C/O form helps businesses optimize benefits and ensure compliance with all regulations during the export process.
Where to Apply for CO (Certificate of Origin)
When obtaining a Certificate of Origin (C/O) for exported goods, knowing where to carry out the procedures is crucial. Currently, the Ministry of Industry and Trade is the authorized agency for issuing C/O in Vietnam. To facilitate the CO application process, the Ministry of Industry and Trade has delegated some agencies and organizations to handle these tasks. Each authorized agency is responsible for issuing C/O drafts for specific types of C/O.
Here are some delegated agencies and the types of C/O they are authorized to issue:
- VCCI (Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry): Authorized to issue C/O Form A, B, and some other types, VCCI plays a crucial role in assisting businesses in obtaining C/O for exported goods.
- Departments of Import and Export Management under the Ministry of Industry and Trade: Specifically, these departments are authorized to issue C/O Form D, E, AK, and some other forms. This helps divide responsibilities and enhance management efficiency in the C/O application process.
- Industrial Zone Management Boards and Urban Industrial Zone Management Boards delegated by the Ministry of Industry and Trade: Responsible for issuing C/O Form D, E, AK, and some other forms. Delegating to specific regional management boards reduces pressure and enhances professionalism in the C/O application process.
Businesses need a clear understanding of where to efficiently apply for C/O and comply with the regulations.
Which CO form is used for goods exported to South Korea?
For goods exported from Vietnam to South Korea, businesses need to use CO Form AK. Specifically, CO Form AK is the Certificate of Origin form used within the framework of the Vietnam-Korea Free Trade Agreement (VKFTA). CO Form AK is issued by authorized agencies in Vietnam, confirming that the exported goods originated from Vietnam and meet the origin criteria as per the VKFTA regulations.
Certificate of Origin CO Form AK
Documentation for applying for Certificate of Origin (CO) form AK
To apply for CO Form AK, businesses need to prepare the following documentation:
- Request for CO issuance (from the Ecosy system)
- Export declaration with signature and seal
- Barcoded signature and sealed
- Commercial invoice with signature and seal
- Packing list
- Bill of Lading
- Inventory of raw materials
- Consumption norms
- Production process
Content of CO Form AK
CO Form AK includes the following main content:
- Information of the seller and buyer: Must match the information on the commercial invoice and bill of lading.
- Transportation method and means: Details on how the goods are transported, including by sea, air, or land.
- Origin preferences: Determines whether the goods are eligible for preferences, assessed by the importing country’s relevant authority.
- Basic information about the goods: Includes item number, goods code, quantity, weight, and packaging specifications.
- Origin criteria: Identifies the origin of the goods.
- Quantity and FOB value of the goods: Detailed information about the quantity and value of the goods when leaving the export port.
- Information about the importing and exporting countries, the location, and the date of the CO application.
Businesses can download the CO Form AK template from the website of the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) or other authorized agencies.
Cases of Rejection for CO Form AK
Being denied the Certificate of Origin (C/O) in general, and specifically, the C/O Form AK is not uncommon. Typically, these rejections stem from inadequacies and inaccuracies in the documentation preparation process. Below are some common reasons that customers may encounter when facing rejection for CO Form AK and how to avoid these situations:
- Unregistered trader profile:
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- Problem: The applicant for CO Form AK has not registered a trader profile.
- Solution: Ensure that the trader profile is registered and contains updated information.
- Incorrect documentation:
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- Problem: The documentation for CO Form AK does not comply with the regulations.
- Solution: Check and ensure that all documents and information in the application adhere to the regulations of the issuing authority.
- Non-submission of outstanding documents:
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- Problem: The applicant for CO Form AK has not submitted outstanding documents from the previous CO issuance.
- Solution: Ensure that all obligations and outstanding documents have been resolved and submitted on time.
- Origin fraud and unresolved disputes:
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- Problem: The applicant for CO Form AK shows signs of origin fraud from the previous CO issuance, and the disputes are not resolved.
- Solution: Take measures to resolve disputes related to origin fraud and ensure transparency in the documentation process.
- Insufficient record-keeping documents:
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- Problem: The applicant for CO Form AK does not provide sufficient record-keeping documents as per regulations.
- Solution: Ensure that all documents related to origin and transactions are adequately stored and comply with regulations.
- Inconsistency in document content:
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- Problem: The CO application has inconsistencies in document content.
- Solution: Scrutinize and ensure that all information in the documentation does not lead to inconsistencies.
- CO declaration written in red ink, handwritten, or blurred:
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- Problem: The CO declaration in Form AK is written in red ink, handwritten, erased, blurred, or printed in various ink colors.
- Solution: Adjust and clarify all information on the CO declaration to avoid confusion.
- No specified origin as per regulations:
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- Problem: The goods applying for CO do not have a specified origin as per legal regulations.
- Solution: Provide clear and accurate evidence of the origin of the goods to ensure compliance with legal regulations.
Businesses can refer to the CO application service for goods exported to South Korea provided by SSR Logistics for assistance in preparing documents and minimizing cases of CO rejection.
Methods of shipping goods by sea between Vietnam and South Korea, and vice versa
- Less than Container Load (LCL):
Less than Container Load (LCL) is a suitable shipping method for small-sized shipments that are not sufficient to fill an entire container. In this method, goods from different shippers are consolidated into the same container for transportation. The consolidated shipments must meet common conditions regarding timing and shipping routes.
- Full Container Load (FCL):
Full Container Load (FCL) is a shipping method designed for shipments with a volume large enough to fill one or multiple containers. In this method, the entire container is dedicated to transporting goods from a single shipper.
Shipping Goods to South Korea by Sea
- Bulk Cargo Shipping:
Bulk cargo shipping is a method designed for unpackaged goods, such as agricultural products (rice, corn, soybeans), minerals (coal, crushed stone, ores), or oversized machinery and components that exceed the container’s capacity. In this method, goods are transported directly on the vessel without packaging or containerization.
Whether it’s LCL, FCL, or Bulk shipping, SSR Logistics is committed to providing flexible, safe, and accurate transportation solutions tailored to the nature and scale of the goods for our valued customers and businesses.
SSR Logistics – Reliable Korea Import Services
SSR Logistics is a leading international freight forwarder and customs brokerage service provider in Vietnam, offering reliable Korean freight services. With over 15 years of experience in logistics, we emphasize transparency, and legality and are committed to providing comprehensive, cost and time-saving solutions for our clients.
- Support for comprehensive cost estimates
We can provide all-inclusive quotations, covering duties, international and domestic shipping fees, customs clearance, licenses, etc. to assist customers in making business decisions.
- Extensive international transportation network
We have contracts with most shipping lines and airlines to all countries around the world and can provide competitive rates for door-to-door delivery.
- Experienced staff
Our team with over 15 years of experience can handle customs procedures from A-Z, ensuring swift customs clearance and compliance. We are always ready to advise and answer clients’ questions.
- Special support for new clients
For newcomers, we provide special consulting on procedures, paperwork, negotiations with partners, filing instructions, etc.
- Commitment to high-quality services
We commit to putting our clients’ interests first and provide sincere, attentive services. We offer support throughout the transaction as well as after completion to ensure client satisfaction.
Professional shipping services from Vietnam to Korea by SSR Logistics
Through this article, SSR Logistics hopes that customers have a clearer view of the certificate of origin (CO) form AK for Korea and shipping methods by sea from Vietnam. For more articles, please visit our Logistics Knowledge section.
SSR looks forward to becoming your reliable logistics partner, providing optimal solutions for your importing and exporting business. Should you have any question regarding our services, please feel free to contact us for specific advice.
With our experienced team, extensive network and flexible shipping & customs solutions, SSR Logistics is confident to deliver excellent services to our clients.
Businesses that need customs and import-export consulting between Vietnam and Korea, please contact SSR Logistics via Hotline (+84) 911 988 484 or leave your information here for specific advice.
With a modern warehouse system and experienced transportation staff, SSR Logistics provides a variety of additional services such as: customs clearance, warehouse leasing, domestic transportation, international transportation by sea and air, and international express delivery.
