CO Fee

Certificate of Origin Fee (CO Fee) refers to the administrative or service fee incurred when an exporter applies to a issuing authority (such as China Customs, CCPIT, or a third-party agency) for the issuance of a Certificate of Origin (CO) in foreign trade. This fee is usually charged per copy, and the amount varies depending on the agency, whether expedited service is required, and whether an agent is used, generally ranging from tens to several hundred RMB. Usage scenario: When the importing country requires a Certificate of Origin to determine tariff treatment, trade statistics, or implement quotas, the exporter must pay this fee. Notes: CO Fee is different from consular legalization fees, embassy certification fees, and also different from the fees for Generalized System of Preferences Certificate of Origin (FORM A) or Free Trade Agreement Certificates of Origin (such as FORM E), which may involve different rules and fee standards; in addition, if handled through an agent, service fees may be included. It is sometimes used interchangeably with 'Certificate of Origin Fee', but strictly speaking, CO specifically refers to the general Certificate of Origin. Foreign trade practitioners should consider this cost when quoting and clarify who bears it (usually the exporter, but it can also be agreed that the importer pays).