Department of Foreign Trade Modifies Plan to Issue Certificates of Origin

The Department of Foreign Trade has modified its plans to open the service for issuing certificates of origin through the DFT SMART C/O system in Phase 4. The service was originally scheduled to be activated on September 15, 2024, but has been postponed to April 1, 2025, onwards for three types of certificates: Form D (ASEAN), Form ASEAN – India (AI), and Form Thai – Chile (TC).

Background

Athit Nithiuthai, Deputy Director General of the Department of Foreign Trade, revealed that the Department has opened a service for issuing certificates of origin through the DFT SMART C/O system in three stages, starting from December 15, 2023. The system has issued a total of 10 types of certificates, including Form RCEP, Form AHK (ASEAN – Hong Kong), Form AJ (ASEAN – Japan), Form TP (Thailand – Peru), Form AK (ASEAN – Korea), Form E (ASEAN – China), General C/O Form, AANZ Form (ASEAN – Australia – New Zealand), JTEPA Form (Thailand – Japan), and Thai – Australia Form (Thailand – Australia).

Reason for Postponement

The Department has postponed the opening of the service for issuing certificates of origin through the DFT SMART C/O system in Phase 4 due to the need for further testing and confirmation from partner countries, including ASEAN, India, and Chile. The Department is awaiting the results of the use and readiness test from each of the 10 ASEAN member states and the official acceptance of the use of Electronic Seal (ESS) from India and Chile.

Impact on Entrepreneurs

Entrepreneurs have expressed satisfaction with the new system, citing its ease of use, convenience, and speed. The system allows entrepreneurs to apply for certificates 24 hours a day and track the status of their application. Additionally, entrepreneurs can print their own certificates, reducing the need to travel to receive them.

Statistics

According to statistics, the Department has issued a total of 593,027 certificates through the DFT SMART C/O system, worth 30,220 million US dollars. The top three most requested certificates are Form ASEAN – China, General C/O Form, and Form ASEAN – Korea.

Contact Information

Entrepreneurs can follow news and updates on the certificate issuing service system page electronically and on the Department of Foreign Trade website www.dft.go.th or contact the Department of Foreign Trade helpline 1385 for more information.