Form L (China-Laos)

FORM L (China-Laos) is a certificate of origin used between China and Laos to enjoy tariff preferences under the free trade agreement. Its full name is 'Certificate of Origin under the China-Laos Free Trade Agreement'. This certificate is issued by an authorized body in the exporting country (in China, the customs or the CCPIT) and proves that the goods originate in China or Laos, thereby allowing the importer to enjoy the agreement tariff rate (usually zero or preferential tariff) at the customs of the importing country. Usage scenarios: When China exports to Laos or Laos exports to China, the importer uses this certificate to apply for tariff reduction or exemption. Notes: 1) The certificate must be issued before or at the time of export; in special cases, it may be issued retroactively; 2) It must be consistent with the information on the commercial invoice, packing list, and other documents; 3) The origin criteria must comply with the agreement rules (such as wholly obtained, regional value content, etc.); 4) The validity period is usually 12 months. Difference from other terms: FORM L applies only to China-Laos bilateral trade, while FORM E applies to the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area, and FORM B applies to GSP. Enterprises need to choose the correct certificate according to the destination country to avoid failure to enjoy preferences due to incorrect certificates.