What is Form E? How is it Used?

Form E, or "Certificate of Origin Form E," is a document used to prove the origin of goods for international trade, particularly within the framework of the ASEAN-China Free Trade Area (ACFTA). This free trade agreement involves member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and China.

ACFTA Member Countries:

ASEAN Member Countries:

1. Brunei Darussalam

2. Cambodia

3. Indonesia

4. Lao PDR

5. Malaysia

6. Myanmar

7. Philippines

8. Singapore

9. Thailand

10. Vietnam

Non-ASEAN Member but Part of ACFTA:

1.     China

Form E is used when one wants to receive trade privileges under the ASEAN-China Free Trade Area (ACFTA) agreement when exporting goods from one country to another that is a member of ACFTA. Generally, Form E is used in the following cases:

1.     When Exporting Goods Under a Free Trade Agreement

o   Customs Duty Reduction: Form E is used to claim trade privileges, such as reduced customs duties or exemptions for goods exported from one member country to another under the ACFTA agreement.

o   Proving Origin: It is used to prove that the exported goods originate from a member country of ACFTA and comply with the free trade agreement requirements.

2.     When Goods Require Trade Privileges Under the Free Trade Agreement

o   Receiving Privileges: It is used to confirm that the goods are entitled to tax reductions or trade advantages under existing free trade agreements.

3.     When Transporting Goods Across Borders Under ACFTA Requirements

o   Customs Document Preparation: Form E must be attached to export documents, such as the Bill of Lading and other customs documentation, to facilitate customs clearance.

Steps to Use Form E

1.     Requesting Form E

o   From an Appointed Authority: The exporting company must request Form E from the chamber of commerce or appointed agency in the exporting country.

2.     Filling Out the Information

o   Product Details and Export Information: Accurate information about the goods must be filled in, including product details, country of origin, shipping information, etc.

3.     Signing and Stamping

o   Signature and Stamp: It must be signed and stamped by an approved agency, such as the chamber of commerce.

4.     Attaching Documents

o   Export Documentation: Form E must be attached to all export documents to claim trade privileges and pass customs inspection.

Using Form E correctly helps ensure a smooth export and import process and allows for the receipt of trade privileges as per existing agreements.