What is a Supplier Certificate? Explaining the basics you need to know to obtain a Certificate of Origin!
Updated: July 2025, 10
In order to receive preferential tariff treatment through economic partnership agreements such as the EPA, RCEP, and CPTPP, it is essential to obtain a Certificate of Origin.
In this case, the "Supplier Certificate" is an important basic document.
This is an essential document for exporters and producers, but there are many cases where people have trouble obtaining it or filling it out.
This time, we will explain the role and types of supplier certificates and the process for obtaining them.
What is a Supplier Certificate?
A supplier certificate is a document that certifies the "origin" of the raw materials and parts used in a product.
When obtaining a Certificate of Origin (a certificate used in EPA, RCEP, CPTPP, etc.), there are cases where supporting documentation is required.
Cases where a supplier certificate is required
When CTC rules apply
When applying CTC rules, if the HS code of the exported product is the same as the HS code of the primary material, a supplier certificate is required.
Supplier certificates are required for primary materials whose HS codes are now the same.
When the VA rule applies
When the VA rule (value added standard) is applied, it is necessary to prove that the "value added amount," which is the total of parts, raw materials, labor costs, expenses, profits, etc. used in the manufacturing process, is equal to or exceeds the standard value set out in the agreement.
If it is below the standard, a supplier certificate is required to clarify where each part and raw material used in the product was produced, and if so, what percentage of imported materials are used.
Creating a Supplier Certificate
When creating a supplier certificate, you must include information about your supplier (such as manufacturing location, person in charge, and product details).
Since the supplier certificate is an important document for proving "origin," the basic premise is that the product was manufactured in Japan.
If you are unable to obtain a supplier certificate
There are cases where a supplier certificate cannot be obtained due to the following reasons:
- If your supplier is not cooperative and refuses to issue a certificate
- When the product is sourced from another country and does not meet the requirements for origin on its own.
Even in such cases, depending on the agreement, the origin of the exported product as a whole may be recognized by applying the accumulation rule or the de minimis rule.
In addition to assisting in the preparation of supplier certificates, we also provide advice on ensuring origin using cumulation rules, etc.
Please feel free to contact us.
