Argentina to Accept Mainland Chinese Certificates of Origin with a Digital Signature

The Argentinean government has issued new administrative procedures to validate non-preferential certificates of origin issued in mainland China with a digital signature and properly legalised by Argentinean consular authorities. Certificates of origin issued with a digital signature will be accepted by Argentinean customs authorities as long as they comply with all of the requirements of Resolution 763/1996. The term “digital signature” refers to a reproduction of a holographic signature that can be stored electronically or by means of recording, printing or stamping.

Non-preferential certificates of origin do not have to be issued in a specified format but must contain a range of information, including (i) name, address, and phone and fax numbers of the manufacturer, final producer or exporter; (ii) designation of the goods; (iii) port or place of shipment; (iv) means of transport; (v) quantity and unit of measurement; (vi) importer in Argentina; (vii) certifying body or entity; (viii) signature, name and seal of the certifier; and (ix) place and date of issue.