For those who wish to obtain a Certificate of Origin under the RCEP Agreement
Updated: July 2025, 9
A specific certificate of origin based on the RCEP Agreement (Republic of China Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement) allows for preferential treatment such as tariff reductions and exemptions in 15 Asia-Pacific countries, including Japan.
For Japan, this will also contribute greatly to strengthening price competitiveness in exports and imports to RCEP countries.
In order to take advantage of the RCEP agreement and receive preferential tariff treatment, it is necessary to prove that exported products meet the requirements of being made in Japan.
This time, we will clearly explain the specific steps and points to note when obtaining a Certificate of Origin using the RCEP Agreement.
table of contents
What is a Certificate of Origin?


The Certificate of Origin is a document established by the EPA or FTA.Certificate for preferential tariff treatment.
For example, when exporting NC lathes or excavators manufactured by Japanese companies to Thailand or China, the RCEP agreement may allow for exemptions or reductions from normal tariffs.
However, as a condition, it is necessary to prove that the product originates in Japan (= is an originating product). The means of proof areSpecific origin certificate
Frequently asked questions about RCEP
We have supported many applications for origin determination so far.
We can also use our accumulated know-how to support you with any issues specific to the RCEP agreement.
Primary materials are sourced from other countries
Under the CTC rule, if the HS code of the primary material and the exported product are the same, in a normal application
The origin of exported products is not recognized.
However, under the RCEP agreement, it is possible that exported products may be recognized as originating in Japan through the use of "cumulative" and "de minimis" criteria.
We will propose ways to have your product recognized as origin from various perspectives.
Which is better: a third-party certification system or a self-reporting system?
The RCEP agreement provides for two methods: self-declaration and the issuance of a Certificate of Origin by the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
The self-declaration system is a quick and simple procedure in which origin is declared by the importer.
However, from the perspective of long-term "safety," we recommend utilizing the third-party certification system via the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
We handle both self-reporting and third-party certification systems, so we can accommodate your needs.
I'm worried about whether my Certificate of Origin will be accepted.
A Certificate of Origin is issued when the name of the exported product differs from that on the invoice, or when there is no description on the third-party invoice, etc.
In some cases, even if the origin of the goods was recognized, the goods were not eligible for customs duty reduction or exemption because the certificate did not contain the correct information.
We will propose a more reliable method within a limited schedule, such as requesting confirmation from the importer before issuing the certificate.
Correspondence record

■ Trading companies and exporters
[Project]
When exporting large machinery that processes steel products to South Korea, we were asked to obtain a Certificate of Origin. Since the export occurred after the product was shipped, we wanted to obtain the Certificate of Origin as soon as possible.
[Request details]
Raw material HS code investigation, application for product origin determination, application for issuance
[Point]
By handling everything from raw material HS code investigation to application for issuance in one go, we were able to issue the certificate in the shortest time possible.
Customer Reviews
I received friendly telephone support and easy-to-understand explanations.
★★★★★ I felt at ease thanks to the constant follow-up service.
Steps to obtain a Certificate of Origin

Identify the HS code
Identify the HS code (Tariff Code) of the product you are exporting.
The Certificate of Origin is to be used by the importing country, so you will need to check with the importer.
Check applicable EPA/FTA agreements and applicable regulations
Check the applicable rules under the RCEP Agreement based on the HS code of the export product.
Rules of origin are used to determine origin based on a product's main components and processing steps.
The two main rules are:
- CTC (Change in Tariff Classification) Rules: Will the HS Codes of Foreign Materials and Final Products Change?
- VA (value added) rule: Does the percentage of value added in Japan exceed the standard?
Checking ingredients
Large machinery involves many parts and processes.BOM (Bill of Materials) and Schedulemust be used to make an accurate judgment.
The raw materials (primary materials) of export products are in the state they were in when they were purchased.

When the CTC rule is applied, it is necessary to check the HS coating of hundreds to thousands of types of primary materials.
However, in some cases, parts made of the same material and for the same purpose are recognized as a single unit without distinction based on size or shape.
Application for origin product determination request
Prepare documents and an application form to demonstrate origin and submit the application to the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
There are no fees to the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
If the same HS code and product have the same manufacturer within the RCEP agreement country, a one-time procedure can be completed and the product can be used for future exports.
Application for certificate issuance
This is a procedure to have a certificate issued each time an item is exported.
We will need your confirmed invoice and packing list information.
A fee will be charged to the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
For inquiries regarding Certificate of Origin, please contact Support Administrative Scrivener Corporation.
The RCEP Agreement can be utilized in many countries, and its recognition among importing countries is also increasing.
This is why certificates of origin have such a big impact on price competition.
We have assisted many companies in obtaining specific certificates of origin under the RCEP agreement.
Please feel free to contact us even if you are short on time or worried about doing it yourself.

![[Certificate of Origin] Explanation materials | Download form image](https://www.shigyo.co.jp/cms/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image-14-150x150.png)


