Professional activities at Hon Gai Port Border Gate Customs Branch, Quang Ninh Customs Department. Photo: Quang Hùng

The EODES has been technically connected since July 1, 2023, to transmit and receive electronic Certificate of Origin (C/O) data in AK and VK/KV forms within the framework of the Vietnam-Korea Free Trade Agreement (VKFTA) and the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement between the ASEAN Member States and Korea (AKFTA).

During a recent meeting and working session on the EODES System between the General Department of Vietnam Customs and a delegation from Korea Customs (July 10-12, 2024) in Vietnam, both sides acknowledged the significant benefits that the system brings, including reduced time for issuing electronic C/Os in the exporting country; lower costs for businesses; facilitation and reduced inspection time for determining preferential treatment by customs authorities for imported goods with AK and VK/KV C/Os; a foundation for Vietnam and Korea to gradually move towards full electronic C/O issuance within the framework of FTAs of which both countries are members

The EODES System aims to maximize convenience for businesses and further promote trade, investment, and production activities between enterprises of the two countries.

Based on the operation and evaluation of the EODES System after one year of official implementation, the two countries have also reviewed and summarized the difficulties and technical errors encountered, and have worked together to identify the causes and coordinate solutions. These include non-receipt of C/O; C/O missing information or not presented in accordance with regulations.

As of now, most of the technical difficulties and errors that have arisen have been handled and resolved, ensuring optimal benefits for both relevant agencies and businesses.

In the future, to further improve the EODES System, the two countries have also agreed to implement solutions to synchronize information between C/Os received through the EODES System and C/Os checked on the website of the issuing agency; correct the lack of invoice information on C/Os; and develop a C/O validity verification function on the System to facilitate the tracking of the verification process and record keeping.