FTA Consulting Services & C/O Application
Our FTA Consulting Services help businesses effectively utilize the tariff incentives from Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) that Vietnam has signed, through reviewing regulations, evaluating documents, and providing comprehensive support throughout the process of applying for a Certificate of Origin (C/O).
For FDI Manufacturers, SME Businesses, and Export Trading Companies
4 Main Problems Businesses Face When Applying for a C/O
In the process of applying for a C/O, businesses often face 5 main challenges. Each of the barriers below can directly or indirectly have a negative impact on your business.
Incorrect Application of Rules of Origin
(example: RVC, CTC)
Failure to be granted a C/O even when goods are eligible, with the risk of being accused of origin fraud.
Lack of a Experts in FTAs & C/O
Failing to grab opportunities from FTAs, applying rules incorrectly, losing tariff incentives, and reducing competitiveness.
Insufficent Document Storage
Inability to provide sufficient evidence to prove origin, leading to C/O rejection or tax recovery during post-clearance audits.
Data Entry Errors
Extremely small mistakes can lead to negative impacts during internal audits or inspections, leading to a very high risk of tax recovery.
In the increasingly complex context of international trade, although the process of applying for a C/O has more procedural barriers, the Certificate of Origin is the key that unlocks the door to tariff preferences, increasing competitive advantage in the market.
To transform barriers into a competitive advantage,
you need support from customs experts
when applying for a C/O to achieve the following core values:
Support from FTA, C/O Experts
Receive support from a specialized consulting team that is knowledgeable about regulations and has extensive practical experience with Customs and the Ministry of Industry and Trade.
Ensuring Legal Compliance
Our deep understanding of rules of origin and related documents helps businesses comply correctly with regulations and avoid legal risks.
Standardized Process with C/O Software
A specialized process, supported by our C/O Software, ensures accuracy of your documents, facilitating smooth customs clearance for shipments and optimizing tariff incentives.
Save Time with Automated Declarations
Utilizing C/O Software and automated declarations on the eCoSys system minimizes the time required to issue a C/O and eliminates data entry risks, allowing your business to focus on its core operations.
C/O Application Process of UNI
With 10 years of experience resolving over 5,000 customs cases, UNI is proud to be one of the leading reputable customs consulting firms, specializing in partnering with businesses throughout the Certificate of Origin application process, while also advising and providing clients with updates on the latest FTA regulations.
Request & Regulation Review
We receive your request, survey the product and its raw material sources, review current regulations, and analyze the ability to meet the Rules of Origin (ROO).
Document Check & Origin Criteria
We conduct a detailed review of the document set, determine its validity, and recommend the most optimal origin criteria to apply.
Dossier with C/O Software
We use our FTA Management Software to automatically create a bill of materials, draft the C/O, verify origin criteria, and prepare a complete set of application documents.
Submission & eCoSys Declaration
We finalize the documents, perform an automated declaration on the eCoSys system, and print the C/O form (for paper-based applications).
Monitoring & Request Handling
We monitor the approval process, promptly handle and provide explanations for any additional requests from the C/O issuing authority, ensuring the application is approved on schedule.
Handover & Consolidated Reporting
We hand over all original documents and the C/O to your business. We provide detailed reports and consolidated data directly from eCoSys to your company.
Why choose UNI’s C/O application service?
If you’re looking for a partner to consult on FTA (Free Trade Agreements) and apply for C/O (Certificates of Origin) with guaranteed expertise and credibility, UNI is your most reliable choice, reinforced by the following four factors:
Coordinating with authorities
We have experience in working closely with Customs and the Ministry of Industry and Trade, ensuring that documents are processed efficiently and any issues are addressed promptly.
Automation & Data Transmission
Integrate automatic inventory and declaration creation on eCoSys, print C/O templates, and transmit customer data to reduce time, reduce the risk of errors, and improve accuracy.
Experienced Expert Team
UNI owns a legal team with extensive expertise, especially the FTA team with extensive practical experience when the average application is about 600 C/O equivalent to 12,000 items/month.
Comprehensive C/O and FTA Consulting
Not only supporting C/O applications, UNI based on the latest regulations to analyze the ability to meet the rules of origin and propose criteria of origin to help businesses enjoy maximum tax incentives.
Common C/O Templates
UNI has supported businesses to apply for C/O in a variety of forms, from preferential C/O (Form D, E, AK, VK...) to non-preferential C/O (Form B), meeting the needs of exporting to many different markets.
See all 2025 certificates of originhere.
FORM B
(Non-Offered)
Applied globally – Used when: Enterprises exporting goods abroad that are not part of FTAs, or at the request of foreign customers.
Key Advantage: Proof of Origin
FORM D
(ATIGA)
Applied to ASEAN – Used when: Enterprises exporting goods to Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, want to enjoy 0% tax when importing into ASEAN countries.
Key advantages: Intra-ASEAN tax incentives
FORM E
(ACFTA)
Applied to ASEAN – China – Used when: Exporting electronic components, agricultural products, fisheries… to China under the conditions of ACFTA tariffs.
Main advantage: Tax incentives with China
FORM AK
(AKFTA)
Applied to ASEAN – Korea – Used when: When enterprises export goods to Korea (footwear, agricultural products, etc.) under the ASEAN-HQ FTA to receive import tax reduction.
Main advantage: Tax incentives with South Korea
FORM AJ
(AJCEP)
Applicable to Vietnam – Japan – Use when: When Vietnamese and Japanese enterprises choose to enjoy deeper incentives, they use Form AJ instead of Form AK.
Key advantages: Diversified tax incentives
FORM VK
(VKFTA)
Applicable to Vietnam – Korea – Use when: Enterprises choose Form VK instead of Form AK when they want to enjoy deeper incentives because this is a bilateral FTA VN-HQ.
Key advantages: Bilateral tax incentives
UNI'S PORTFOLIO
OUR SERVICE QUALITY IS PROVEN IN NUMBERS
CORE TEAM
Our Customs Experts
BYUN SANG HYUN
CEO
10 years of experience
receive notable awards from KOCHAM,..
an advisory member of Korean Chamber of Commerce and Industry
LE NGOC HUY
General Director
Got master degree of Economy
specialized in logistics and customs procedures
6 years of experience in solving complex customs issues
BUI KHANH HOA
FTA Assistant Manager
Specialized in FTA consulting, C/O application
hands-on experience in handing averagely 600 C/O per month with UNI’s FTA team
PHÍ ĐĂNG LONG
Legal Assistant Manager
a bachelor degree of Hanoi Law University
hands-on experience in handling customs issues related to contract and state principles
COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE
Specialized C/O Software & Advanced Data Transmission System
The implementation of specialized C/O Software and an Advanced Data Transmission System allows UNI to fully optimize the entire process, ensuring fast processing speeds and the highest level of accuracy for applications.
Automated Raw Material Management
Tracks inventory and automatically generates accurate declarations/lists, minimizing manual errors.
Integrated eCoSys Declaration
Quickly and accurately submits C/O applications online on eCoSys directly through our software.
In-depth HS Code Look-up
Provides the eximhow tool for looking up Vietnamese HS codes, assisting in determining the criteria for origin.
Real-Time Data Aggregation
Extracts and compiles detailed C/O data directly from eCoSys for strategic management purposes.
UNI’s Key Partners
2 Outstanding Case Studies of UNI
UNI’s experience goes beyond mere procedures; it is also demonstrated in our ability to resolve legal disputes, helping clients recover benefits and protect their reputation.
Resolving C/O Complaints
Korean Multi-Industry Conglomerate
The Issue: A large Korean multi-industry conglomerate faced difficulties proving the validity of their Certificate of Origin (C/O) to Customs, which led to a demand for retroactive payment of import taxes.
UNI’s Action: Represented the conglomerate in initiating the official complaint process and requested the Customs Authority to conduct a C/O verification in strict accordance with the provisions of the Free Trade Agreement.
The Result: The C/O was accepted. The conglomerate was reimbursed over 700 million VNĐ in paid import tax, securing their financial interests and ensuring compliance..
Verifying Origin Criteria
Electronics Component Manufacturer
The Issue: A Korean-invested electronics component manufacturer was suspected by Customs of issuing a C/O incorrectly, which severely impacted their export operations.
UNI’s Action: Conducted a comprehensive review of the documentation and production process according to the FTA rules of origin. Following this, we drafted a formal complaint and provided direct, in-depth explanations to the Customs Authority.
The Result: Successfully proved that the shipment fully met the Vietnamese Rules of Origin, protecting the company’s reputation and ensuring subsequent shipments were not interrupted.
Frequently Asked Questions
What regulations on the Certificate of Origin of goods do enterprises need to understand to ensure the validity of the dossier?
Enterprises need to master the Rules of Origin (ROO) according to each FTA (e.g., Regional Value Content Criteria – RVC, HS Code Conversion Criteria – CTC) and regulations on trader records. Failure to comply with these rules is the main reason for C/O rejection or post-clearance tax arrears.
What documents proving the origin are included in the application for C/O?
Which agency has the authority to issue preferential and non-preferential C/O in Vietnam?
2. VCCI (Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry): Issuance of non-preferential C/O (Form B) and some types of preferential C/O as authorized.
What is the average time it takes for UNI to complete the application and receive the C/O?
PRESTIGE IS UNI'S TOP CRITERION
COMMITMENT
We are committed to accompanying businesses with the highest professionalism, through 3 key promises:
100% Complete Documents in Accordance with Standards
If the application prepared by UNI is rejected by the C/O issuing agency due to our consultation error or error, UNI will edit it free of charge until the application is accepted and satisfactory.
Comply with the latest legal regulations
Always proactively update and accurately apply current legal documents (Circulars, Decrees, guidelines of the Ministry of Industry and Trade and Customs), ensuring legality and safety for all shipments.
Absolute confidentiality of customer information
All sensitive data of the business such as raw material lists, HS codes and import and export records will be kept safe and secure, committed not to share with any third party.