Non-preferential certificates of origin to be issued in digital format

Chisinau, April 4 / MOLDPRES /- Non-preferential certificates of origin of goods (CO) will be issued in digital format and will have several security features, thus giving up certificates printed on special forms. The government approved a decision in this regard today.

According to the government's communication and protocol department, the digitization of CO comes in the context of the process of digitization of public services at the national level and will ensure the implementation of the best international practices. At the same time, digital non-preferential certificates will simplify the customs clearance procedure and increase the security of documents, eliminating the risk of forgery.

The validity of the certificates can be verified through a QR code or on the official website of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Republic of Moldova (CCI) www.chamber.md. Subsequently, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Republic of Moldova will submit the application for accreditation of its issuance at the international level.

Given that at present, the electronic signature issued in the Republic of Moldova is not recognized in other states, the CO will not be electronically signed, but will include the signature and stamp (photocopy) of the ICC, which corresponds to the international practice of issuing electronic certificates. Annually, CCI issues about 12 thousand non-preferential certificates of origin. The top products for which the non-preferential certificate of origin is requested include cereals, wine, fruit, fruit juice.

The non-preferential certificate of origin is the document which unequivocally confirms the country of origin of the goods for the purpose of carrying out tariff and non-tariff measures under general conditions, without applying the trade preferences provided for in the Free Trade Agreements.

Photo: Government