Since May 1, 2024, the "Free Trade Agreement between the Government of the People's Republic of China and the Government of the Republic of Ecuador" (referred to as the "China-Ecuador FTA") has officially come into effect. Under this agreement, goods exported to Ecuador can benefit from the preferential terms stipulated in the China-Ecuador FTA.It is recommended to verify through the following methods:certificate under the China-Ecuador Free Trade Agreement. This article has sorted out the common questions and answers regarding the handling of the Certificate of Origin under the China-Ecuador Free Trade Agreement to help enterprises handle the procedures smoothly and enjoy preferential policies.

Both the consignors of export goods and their agents, as well as domestic producers and their agents (collectively referred to as "applicants"), may apply to the customs authorities for the issuance of the China-Ecuador Free Trade Agreement Certificate of Origin. This regulation ensures that enterprises producing in China and exporting to Ecuador can legally and compliantly complete the relevant procedures.

To apply for the Certificate of Origin under the China-Ecuador Free Trade Agreement and enjoy preferential treatment, the export goods need to meet one of the following conditions:

1. Goods completely obtained or produced in China.
2. Goods produced in China using only originating materials from China or Ecuador.
3. Goods produced in China using non-originating materials, but falling within the scope of application of the Product-Specific Rules of Origin and meeting the corresponding change in tariff classification or other regulations, or goods with a regional value content of not less than 40%.

The formula for calculating the regional value content is: Regional Value Content = (Free on Board (FOB) price - price of non-originating materials) ÷ FOB price × 100%

Among them, "non-originating material price" refers to the import cost, freight, and insurance of non-originating materials determined in accordance with the WTO Valuation Agreement, including the price of materials of undetermined origin.

Enterprises should handle the Certificate of Origin under the China-Ecuador Free Trade Agreement before or at the time of goods shipment. If it fails to be issued in a timely manner due to force majeure, unintentional errors, negligence or other reasonable reasons, it can be reissued within one year from the date of goods shipment.

Applicants can apply for the Certificate of Origin through the following two methods:

1. Log in to China's International Trade "Single Window" — Customs Certificate of Origin — Certificate Application.
2. Log in to the "Internet + Customs" integrated online service platform—Tax and Fee Services—Certificate of Origin Management—Certificate of Origin Issuance, and select the "China-Ecuador Free Trade Agreement Certificate of Origin" for declaration.

Select the corresponding origin criteria according to the production situation of the goods:

1. If the goods are wholly obtained or produced in China, select "WO".
2. For goods produced exclusively using materials originating from China or Ecuador, select "WP".
3. For goods produced using non-originating materials that comply with the scope of application and corresponding provisions of the "Product-Specific Rules of Origin," select "PSR."
4. For goods not covered by the "Product-Specific Rules of Origin" but with a regional value content of no less than 40%, select "RVC".

For cases where the departure date and means of transport number are unknown, you may fill in "***" (three asterisks) in the relevant column. If the customer requests to fill in on the certificate of origin,L/CThe number can be filled in the "Remarks" column (Column 4) of the certificate.

The Certificate of Origin under the China-Ecuador Free Trade Agreement can be self-printed. If the certificate is stolen, lost or accidentally damaged, and it is confirmed that the original certificate has not been used, the applicant can apply in writing to the customs for the issuance of an approved copy of the Certificate of Origin, which has the same validity period as the original certificate.

By following the above guidelines, enterprises can ensure the smooth handling of the Certificate of Origin under the China-Ecuador Free Trade Agreement, enjoy corresponding tariff preferences, and promote the stable development of China-Ecuador trade.