On May 11 and 12, 2026, the Committee on Rules of Origin of the World Trade Organization held its regular session in Geneva, Switzerland. Vietnam’s delegation included representatives from the Agency of Foreign Trade under the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT), who participated online from Hanoi, and officials from the Permanent Mission of Vietnam in Geneva, who attended the meeting in person.

Regarding efforts to improve the legal framework, Trinh Thi Thu Hien informed the session about the drafting of a decree detailing a number of articles and implementation measures of the Law on Foreign Trade Management concerning goods origin, which will replace Decree No. 31/2018/ND-CP dated March 8, 2018. The draft decree introduces new provisions, including regulations on the self-certification mechanism for goods origin, thereby creating a legal basis for domesticating commitments on self-certification of origin under free trade agreements (FTAs) to which Vietnam is a party. At the same time, the draft also updates regulations related to the Electronic Certificate of Origin Issuance and Management System (eCoSys) and the exchange of electronic C/O data with partners.

Notably, Vietnam shared the positive impact of digitalising the issuance of certificates of origin (C/O). Accordingly, C/Os are issued electronically through the eCoSys system, featuring digital signatures, electronic seals of authorised issuing agencies and organisations, as well as QR codes for authentication. The integration of QR codes enables customs authorities in importing countries to proactively verify information, thereby significantly reducing requests for C/O authentication, facilitating trade, shortening customs clearance procedures and enhancing transparency in the management of goods origin.

In addition, Trinh Thi Thu Hien updated participants on decentralisation and delegation of authority in the field of goods origin in Vietnam. At present, the issuance of C/Os is carried out by the MoIT, through the Agency of Foreign Trade, and provincial-level People’s Committees. During the implementation process, 31 out of 34 provinces and centrally-run cities have implemented decentralisation and delegation mechanisms in the field of goods origin, helping improve access to public services and creating more favourable conditions for exporting enterprises in localities.

The information presented by Vietnam at the session drew attention from WTO members amid efforts by many economies to accelerate the digital transformation of import-export procedures and improve the implementation of rules of origin in order to enhance the adaptability of global supply chains. Representatives from the US, Singapore and Colombia highly appreciated the report’s contents, Vietnam’s cooperative spirit in combating origin fraud and the country’s digital transformation efforts in C/O issuance.

Previously, at the committee’s 30th anniversary session on April 3, 2025, as well as sessions held on October 1, 2025 and November 5, 2025, the Vietnamese delegation delivered statements concerning notifications of rules of origin within the WTO framework, the application of digital transformation and updates to the list of agencies and organisations authorised to issue C/Os for WTO member countries. The statement delivered by the representative of the Import-Export Agency at this latest session demonstrated Vietnam’s efforts to maintain transparency and ensure the effective implementation of international obligations.

Vietnam’s active presence and constructive contributions at WTO sessions continue to affirm the country’s proactive and responsible spirit in promoting trade facilitation and strengthening international coordination in combating goods origin fraud. Reforms in the field of origin management have also contributed to advancing digital transformation in state management of foreign trade, while promoting the application of science, technology and innovation in line with Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW issued in 2024 on breakthroughs in science and technology development, innovation and national digital transformation.

Vietnam’s policy updates at this session also continue to enhance the country’s voice at multilateral organisations and mechanisms, while strengthening its role, position and international prestige in accordance with the objectives set out in Resolution No. 59-NQ/TW dated January 24, 2025 on international integration in the new situation. Resolution No. 59-NQ/TW of 2025 and Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW of 2024 are regarded as two of the four pillar resolutions guiding the country into a new era.