Shanxi issues first RCEP certificate of origin to Philippines

The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) pact, a free trade agreement among 15 countries in the Asia-Pacific region, including China and the Philippines, entered into force in the Philippines on June 2. 

On the same day, Linfen customs in the city of Linfen, North China's Shanxi province, issued the first RCEP certificate of origin for a glass manufacturer in its jurisdiction to export goods to the Philippines. This certificate verifies that the exported products meet the origin requirements specified in the RCEP agreement, allowing the exporter to benefit from tariff preferences under the pact. 

With the implementation of RCEP in the Philippines, the country has committed to providing zero-tariff treatment for several Chinese products, including automobiles and parts, glass products, textiles and garments, certain plastic products, air conditioners, and washing machines. This is in addition to the tariff benefits already established on the basis of the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area. Over 90 percent of the trade in goods within the RCEP region is expected to gradually achieve zero tariffs.

Yu Wenfang, an official of Taiyuan Customs – provincial customs department of Shanxi, introduced that China is currently the Philippines' largest trading partner, serving as its largest source of imports, and the third largest export market. 

With RCEP fully entering into force in 15 member countries, Shanxi's foreign trade enterprises leverage the certificate of origin and enjoy the tariff preferences provided by the RCEP agreement, facilitating trade and boosting economic cooperation within the region.