{
  "id": 2358487,
  "title": "C O delays threaten seafood and footwear exports",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/21/c-o-delays-threaten-seafood-and-footwear-exports",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-08-21T10:33:25.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Vietnam Investment Review",
    "slug": "vietnam-investment-review",
    "url": "https://vir.com.vn/co-delays-threaten-seafood-and-footwear-exports-159193.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "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.",
  "summary": "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",
  "key_points": [
    "Vietnam associations urge MoIT to resolve C/O delays.",
    "Processing issues cause re-registration for exporters.",
    "Delays threaten US, South African, Chilean, Chinese exports."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}