SHENZHEN Customs issued 12,300 certificates of origin under the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) agreement from January to April this year, marking a 36.1% increase compared to the same period last year, Dute News reported Thursday.

The certificates correspond to exports valued at 2.68 billion yuan (US$377 million), an increase of 26.7% year on year.

The ability for enterprises to independently issue RCEP certificates of origin represents a significant advancement in the certification process, according to the Dute News report. Once an enterprise becomes an approved exporter, it can autonomously issue certificates of origin under various free trade agreements.

One notable beneficiary of this system is Absen Optoelectronics Co. Ltd., a leading LED display manufacturer based in Shenzhen. According to Chen Wenqin, the company’s customs manager, Absen issued 29 RCEP certificates of origin for goods exported to Australia between January and April this year with a total value of 8.77 million yuan. These self-issued certificates allowed the goods to enjoy zero-tariff treatment upon clearing customs in Australia. (SD News)