C O delays threaten seafood and footwear exports
Delays in issuing certificates of origin are disrupting seafood and footwear exports driving up costs and putting businesses at risk of missing preferential tariffs under free trade agreements
The Vietnam Leather, Footwear and Handbag Association (Lefaso) and the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP) have called on the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) to resolve delays in issuing certificates of origin (C/O). Since August 1, responsibility for issuing C/Os has been transferred from the Agency of Foreign Trade to local departments of industry and trade, but several areas have experienced processing delays due to an influx of applications.
VASEP reported that businesses must re-register during the transition period, causing delays in submitting certification applications for export shipments. Meanwhile, Lefaso members have faced similar issues, impacting exports to markets like the US, South Africa, Chile, and China. Xuan, Lefaso's vice president, warned that the delay in issuing C/O Form B for US exports can lead to increased costs, port storage, and potential penalties.
Both associations stated that these delays can disrupt export processes, brand reputation, and orders, potentially shifting business to other countries. On August 17, the Import-Export Department held a meeting with relevant departments to address these challenges, focusing on operational and technical issues.
Written by urgent.news from Vietnam Investment Review's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
