Changes in CO requirement from 2005 Onwards

What are the changes introduced to CO applications from 2005 onwards?

The CO system from 2005 onwards will remain largely the same except for the following changes:

• CO applications covering cut-and-sewn garments to the United States and the EU markets must be supported by valid PN. CO applications covering cut-and-sewn garments to the Canada market will no longer be required to be supported by PN;

• Applicants are required to declare in the field "Principal Process(es) Done by the Manufacturer and Outworker in HK" in the E Services CO system the principal processes as "sewing/linking/stitching of parts into garment" covering knitted cut-and-sewn garments to the USA market;

• The current EU chop ("I further certify that the goods described above meet the origin rules of the European Union") will cease to be applied on the CO certificate to the EU.

• The new CO form with the watermark of the issuing organizations will be used in order to enhance security.

Are traders required to apply the CO from 2005 onwards?

To substantite a proof of Hong Kong origin for textiles exports, it will be in traders' interest to take out a CO if the goods concerned are indeed products of Hong Kong. Although overseas markets may not generally require a CO to accompany every import / consignment, it is advisable that traders can readily produce a CO to the importing end authorities (if so required) to evidence the origin of the goods.