The General Certificate of Origin (CO) is issued by the local Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT). The China Council for the Promotion of International Trade and the International Chamber of Commerce operate under the same administrative body with two names: the Council for the Promotion of International Trade or the Chamber of Commerce. Although CCPIT is a non-governmental organization, it is a national entity. The format of Certificates of Origin issued by regional branches varies, but the numbering is consistent. As the sole authorized body for Certificates of Origin, those issued by CCPIT are highly regarded worldwide.

The English abbreviation for the General Certificate of Origin is C/O, which stands for CERTIFICATE OF ORIGIN. The C/O serves as proof of the origin of exported goods and their place of production in international trade, certifying the country of origin for customs clearance in importing countries.

Generally, Certificates of Origin (C/O) can be divided into two types. One is issued by the Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT), and the other by Customs. Both certificates share the same format but differ in background color. However, the country of origin and issuing country remain the same, and this does not affect customs clearance. Some importers may require a Chamber of Commerce seal in Column 5 of the Certificate of Origin (CHINA COUNCIL FOR THE PROMOTION OF INTERNATIONAL TRADE IS CHINA MEMBER OF INTERNATIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE). As CCPIT can represent the Chamber of Commerce, foreign importers requiring a Chamber of Commerce CO or Customs-issued CO can contact the Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CHINA COUNCIL FOR THE PROMOTION OF INTERNATIONAL TRADE IS CHINA MEMBER OF INTERNATIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE).
How is the General Certificate of Origin used, and what are its classifications?