From 20 to 22 May 2025, the World Customs Organization (WCO), in collaboration with Viet Nam Customs, conducted a national workshop on rules of origin in Ha Noi, Viet Nam. This workshop was funded by the Customs Cooperation Fund of Korea (CCF-Korea) and aimed to enhance the competencies of Viet Nam Customs officials through in-depth training on rules of origin and advance rulings, both essential for the correct application and implementation of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs). The workshop brought together 55 participants from the headquarters and 20 Regional Customs Branches of Viet Nam Customs.

In his opening remarks, Mr. NGUYEN Anh Tai, Deputy Director of the Supervision and Control Sub-Department of Viet Nam Customs, expressed his appreciation to the WCO and CCF-Korea for organizing the workshop. He emphasized the critical role that accurate and efficient application of rules of origin plays in implementing FTAs. Mr. Nguyen also highlighted the importance of the workshop in strengthening both the theoretical and practical understanding of Customs officers and encouraged all participants to actively engage with WCO experts throughout the three-day program.

The workshop covered a wide range of topics, including an overview of rules of origin in international trade, non-preferential and preferential rules of origin, origin determination, advance rulings on origin maters, and key implementation areas such as origin certification, origin verification, and the handling of origin irregularities. Viet Nam Customs shared insights into their national practices and current challenges related to the implementation of rules of origin under various FTAs. Their presentation provided context for peer learning and further dialogue among participants and the WCO experts. Discussions focused on managing rules of origin processes, particularly on determining the origin of goods, enhancing risk management mechanisms related to origin, and strengthening the capacity to assess and verify the origin of imported goods, especially in cases based on self-declaration of origin. Practical case studies allowed participants to apply the theoretical concepts to real-world scenarios.

By the conclusion of the workshop, participants had not only strengthened their theoretical knowledge but also gained practical skills to better implement and enforce rules of origin in their daily work.

For more information, please contact: ori@wcoomd.org