In a major innovation, Baotou customs has started using smart methods to review and approve certificates of origin -- significantly shortening the processing time for enterprises to apply for the key export permit -- according to local media reports.

Recently, Baotou Santoku Battery Materials Co applied for a certificate of origin to Baotou customs and received approval in just 34 seconds. This marked the first time the permit was issued in Baotou city – in North China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region -- adopting the smart method.

A certificate of origin is a document issued by a specific agency in an exporting country, certifying that the goods were made or produced in that country or region. Because it can prove the nationality of merchandise, it is also called the "economic passport" of goods in international trade.

On Dec 10, a smart review system for certificates of origin was officially launched nationwide.

The system features the establishment of an intelligent document review rule base. Applying the latest in technology to verify and automatically review it, the review and complete processing can be completed in a few seconds.

Certificates of origin are the basis for importing countries to implement preferential trade measures – as well as to mete out non-preferential trade policies such as anti-dumping and countervailing measures, safeguard measures, country-specific quantitative restrictions and tariff quotas.

As China signs and implements free trade agreements with more and more countries and regions, the certificate of origin has become an increasingly important document to allow exported goods to enjoy smooth customs clearances upon arrival at the importing country.