Certificate of Origin data for export entries to China

It will be necessary to enter the Certificate of Origin (COO) number (where issued) in the export entry declaration for goods exported to China under the New Zealand–China Free Trade Agreement, where tariff preference is requested.

This helps streamline legitimate trade into China by making information related to each Certificate of Origin available to the General Administration of China Customs GACC. It enables them to quickly and accurately check the COO information, as any documentation queries raised can be actioned by NZ Customs more effectively.

This data must be entered into the export entry header in the ‘Other’ field using the code ‘COO’ followed by the number without full stops ‘.’ (For example, the COO number 11.1234.12345 would be entered as 11123412345).

If a COO number is not known when the Customs export delivery order is generated, the export entry must be amended once it is known. You can view the process on the Exporting to China flowchart.

The above process does not replace the requirement for paper COOs to be presented to the GACC for New Zealand origin preference. It simply provides a layer of assurance to address any potential queries and reduce risk of delays in China.

Frequently asked questions

1. Does NZ Customs need the signed COO, or just the data?

NZ Customs only requires the COO data to be entered into the export entry. Once a data exchange system is completed in future, this COO information will automatically be provided to China Customs.

2. Chinese officials can view information for health certificates though the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) system. Why not use the same system?

There is nothing in Customs legislation which allows for the sharing of export entry information with overseas jurisdictions. Consequently, it is not possible for Chinese officials to view the entry data to compare it with the COO data.

3. Is there an extra charge for any amendments under these new rules?

No. NZ Customs only charges one fee upon lodging the export entry, we not charge for amendments.

4. The COO number is not known when the export entry is lodged as we wait for final shipping details before submitting it.

The information required for competing the COO is the same as that required to compile an accurate export entry under the Customs (Export Entry) Rules. If the entry is not complete including the COO number, then any enquiries received from China Customs cannot be expedited, and clearance of your goods could be delayed and preferential tariff denied.

5. Does this mean goods will not get loaded without a COO number?

The current requirements for export clearance remain the same. The COO number is not required for the customs export delivery order, but it is needed for verification of preference into China.

6. Can we have more than one COO number in the export entry?

Yes. Where multiple COOs are required for an export entry, the individual COO numbers can be entered on the same export entry.

7. What happens where there is no COO number?

If there is no COO issued, please leave this field blank.

8. Is it up to the exporter to make the submission as appropriate?

It is the responsibility of the exporter and/or their agent to ensure that the information in the export entry is correct as per the requirements of the Customs and Excise Act 1996.

9. How will non-conformance be identified?

The declarant signing the entry is making a declaration that the export entry is true and correct. Any issues will be identified as per current business practice.

Contact

For other questions or clarification, email feedback@customs.govt.nz, or call "tel:0800428786">0800 428 7860800 4 CUSTOMS (tel:0800428786">0800 428 786).