The issue of Electronic Certificate of Origin (e-CO) is an electronic submission of documents for an issuance of Preferential Certificate of Origin that is convenient, streamlining time saving and cost saving for exporters. Hence, in order to ensure the conformation with laws and regulations of the Lao PDR and international best practice, Ministry of Industry and Commerce issues a Decision on the issue of Electronic Certificate of Origin No. 0369/MoIC.DIMEX, dated 26 February 2016. The decision specifies principles, regulations and measures on the issue of Electronic Certificate of Origin.
The process to request for the Electronic Certificate of Origin is more convenient than before. The exporters to are able to declare documents online through www.ecolao.gov.la which could be made anywhere as long as they have computer or tablet that connect to the internet. The exporters will not need to visit the Certificate of Origin’s Authorizer Office multiple times as before. It only requires registering on e-CO system and filling the CO form electronically. After the CO form is confirmed correct, it will be sent to Certificate of Origin officials automatically. Then the officials will check the CO form, certify and send it back to the exporters automatically.
The Electronic Certificate of Origin is convenient for the exporters as they only require one-time-visit to the CO’s Authorizer Office to show the original version of the Certificate of Origin that is certified by the CO official with signature and seal. Then the exporters are able to get the Certificate of Origin instantly.
The Decision became effective 15 days after it has been published on the Lao Official Gazette or 29 March 2016.
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