On May 11th and 12th, 2026, the Committee on Rules of Origin of the World Trade Organization (WTO) held its regular session in Geneva, Switzerland. Viet Nam's representatives included the Import-Export Department (Ministry of Industry and Trade), participating online from Hanoi, and officials from the Permanent Mission of Viet Nam to Geneva, attending in person.

Ms. Trinh Thi Thu Hien, Deputy Director of the Import-Export Department (Ministry of Industry and Trade), delivered a virtual speech at the WTO Committee on Rules of Origin session.

Regarding the completion of the legal framework, Ms. Hien provided information on the drafting of a Decree detailing certain provisions and implementation measures of the Law on Foreign Trade Management concerning the origin of goods, replacing Decree No. 31/2018/ND-CP dated March 8, 2018. The draft Decree adds new regulations, including a provision on the self-certification mechanism for the origin of goods, creating a legal basis for the domestication of commitments on self-certification of origin in the Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) that Viet Nam participates in. Simultaneously, the draft also updates regulations on the Electronic Certificate of Origin Management and Issuance System (eCoSys) and the exchange of electronic C/O data with partners.

Notably, Viet Nam shares the positive impact of the digitalization of Certificates of Origin (C/O) issuance. Accordingly, C/Os are issued electronically through the eCoSys system, featuring digital signatures, electronic seals of the issuing authority, and QR codes for verification. The integration of QR codes supports the customs authorities of importing countries in proactively checking, thereby significantly reducing the number of C/O verification requests, contributing to trade facilitation, shortening processing times, and increasing transparency in the management of goods origin.

In addition, Ms. Hien also updated on the decentralization and delegation of authority in the field of origin of goods in Viet Nam. Currently, the issuance of Certificates of Origin (C/O) is carried out by the Ministry of Industry and Trade (Import-Export Department) and the People's Committees at the provincial level. During the implementation process, 31 out of 34 provinces/cities have already implemented decentralization and delegation of authority in the field of origin of goods, improving access to public services and creating more favorable conditions for the export business community in the localities.

The information presented by Viet Nam at the meeting received attention from WTO members, especially as many economies are promoting the digital transformation of import and export procedures and improving methods for enforcing rules of origin to enhance the adaptability of global supply chains. Representatives from the United States, Singapore, and Colombia highly appreciated the content of the report, the spirit of cooperation in combating origin fraud, and Viet Nam's implementation of digital transformation in the issuance of Certificates of Origin (C/O).

Previously, at the 30th Anniversary Session of the Committee on April 3, 2025, the Session on October 1, 2025, and the Session on November 5, 2025, the Vietnamese delegation delivered speeches related to the notification of rules of origin within the WTO framework, the application of digital transformation, and updating the list of agencies and organizations issuing Certificates of Origin (C/O) to WTO member countries. The speech by the representative of the Import-Export Department at this session demonstrated Viet Nam's efforts in maintaining transparency and ensuring the effective implementation of international obligations.

Viet Nam's active presence and contributions at WTO meetings continue to affirm its proactive and responsible spirit in promoting the facilitation of import and export activities and strengthening international coordination in combating origin fraud. Reforms in the field of origin also contribute to accelerating digital transformation in state management of foreign trade, promoting the application of science, technology, and innovation in accordance with Resolution 57-NQ/TW of 2024 on breakthroughs in the development of science, technology, innovation, and national digital transformation. Viet Nam's updating of policy orientations at this meeting further strengthens its voice in multilateral organizations and mechanisms, enhancing the country's role, position, and international prestige in line with the goals outlined in Resolution 59-NQ/TW of 2025 on international integration in the new context. Resolution No. 59-NQ/TW dated January 24, 2025 and Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW of 2024 are considered two of the four pillar resolutions that will usher the country into a new era.

Source: Vietnam.vn