Qingdao's customs office has issued 421,000 RCEP certificates of origin since the trade pact took effect in 2022, leading all certification authorities across China in volume, with preferential-trade exports valued at 92.89 billion yuan ($13.07 billion). 

In the first three quarters of this year, the agency issued 99,000 certificates — a year-on-year increase of 3.5 percent — covering exports worth 22.29 billion yuan, up 11.9 percent from the same period last year.

"Companies are increasingly leveraging RCEP's tariff advantages to explore emerging markets and optimize supply chains," said Zhang Li, deputy director of the Qingdao Customs' tariff department.

FAW Jiefang Qingdao Automotive Company recently obtained four RCEP certificates for 61 dump trucks exported to Indonesia, saving 643,000 yuan in tariffs.

"While the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area has been in effect for years, dump trucks weren't included in Indonesia's tax reduction list. Under RCEP, the import tariff drops from 5 percent to zero," explained trade document specialist Zhang Hongrui. Guided by customs authorities, the company has expanded into Southeast Asian markets, processing 56 RCEP certificates for over 200 million yuan worth of exports in the first three quarters of the year.

RCEP has not only reduced tariffs but also introduced trade innovations including approved exporter self-certification and back-to-back certificates of origin. Tianchi Holding (Qingdao), a bonded logistics company, reported enhanced flexibility in sales strategies and logistics arrangements thanks to these provisions.

To maximize RCEP benefits, Qingdao Customs and trade promotion agencies are advancing digital platforms, specialized certificate processing centers, and mutual recognition of origin information, helping enterprises take full advantage of preferential policies and shape new possibilities in institutional openness.

Qingdao's customs office issues 421,000 RCEP certificates of origin since the trade pact took effect in 2022. [Photo/Guanhai News]