According to Haikou Customs, a total of 23,148 certificates of origin were issued between Jan. and Sept., 2026, a year-on-year increase of 98.29%. These certificates covered exported products valued at 10.639 billion yuan, up 59.03% year-on-year. As Hainan-based companies take advantage of free trade agreements to expand into overseas markets, certificates of origin are playing a vital role in reducing cross-border trade costs.

Haikou’s Xiuying Port (Photo: Hainan Daily)

A Certificate of Origin (CO) is a trade document that certifies the country or region where goods were produced. Preferential Certificates of Origin apply to goods that meet the rules of origin stipulated in specific preferential trade agreements. With these certificates, importers can apply for preferential tariff rates, lowering import costs. Haikou Customs issued the largest proportion of Preferential Certificates of Origin under the China-ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Free Trade Agreement.

Hainan Xuanzhi International Trade Company is one of the companies expanding into the ASEAN market thanks to this policy. In the first three quarters of 2026, the company applied for 143 Certificates of Origin under the China-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement, covering exports valued at over 100 million yuan.

According to Zhao Maowen, the company’s customs affairs manager, a shipment of ice cream powder valued at 3.5 million yuan is expected to benefit from approximately 175,000 yuan in tariff reductions in the importing country thanks to a Preferential Certificate of Origin. Haikou Port Customs also provided the company with tailored policy guidance, helping it better understand and utilize the tariff concessions available under the relevant free trade agreements.

In addition to the China-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement, the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) has also facilitated trade for even more Hainan export companies.

Hainan Jinhai Pulp & Paper Company is recognized as an Approved Exporter under the RCEP framework. Under this system, eligible companies are not required to apply for a Certificate of Origin for each individual shipment. Instead, they are able to issue their own Declarations of Origin, which importers then use to claim preferential tariff treatment in accordance with the terms of the relevant agreement.

Between Jan. and Sept., 2026, Jinhai issued a total of 297 RCEP Declarations of Origin, covering exports valued at 14.7 million yuan. These are expected to result in approximately 735,000 yuan in import tariff savings. The products involved, which include double-sided coated paper exported to RCEP member states such as Thailand and Australia, benefit from lower import costs for overseas buyers.

To assist more companies in making use of free trade agreements, Haikou Customs has established a Certificate of Origin consultation service desk. This desk provides guidance on certificate issuance and preferential tariff policies. In addition, through initiatives such as corporate site visits and policy outreach sessions, customs authorities help exporters understand the specific rules of origin and declaration requirements for different trade agreements.

At the same time, customs authorities encourage eligible companies to apply for Approved Exporter status, allowing them to issue their own Declarations of Origin in order to streamline the certification process and enhance the efficiency of cross-border trade.

From Preferential Certificates of Origin under the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area to company-issued Declarations of Origin under the RCEP, these different methods of certifying origin are making it easier for companies in Hainan to utilize regional trade agreements. As these services continue to improve, Hainan-based exporters will be better positioned to take advantage of preferential trade arrangements, reduce the costs of cross-border transactions, and expand their reach into ASEAN and other international markets.