Regional FTA
Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP)
The world’s largest trade bloc by population and GDP: the ten ASEAN states plus China, Japan, Korea, Australia and New Zealand, with a single set of rules of origin.
- Abbreviation
- RCEP
- Status
- In force
- Type
- Regional FTA
- Scope
- Comprehensive (goods, services, investment and rules)
- Signed
- Nov 2020
- In force since
- Jan 2022
- Member countries
- 15
- C/O form (Vietnam)
- RCEP
Key features
- Elimination or reduction of import duties on most goods, phased in according to each party’s tariff schedule.
- General rule of origin: 40% regional value content (RVC) or a change in tariff heading, plus product-specific rules.
- Cumulation: originating materials from other parties can count towards origin.
- Origin can be declared by exporters or producers (self-certification or statements on origin), subject to conditions.
- Commitments on trade in services.
- Investment liberalisation and/or protection rules.
- E-commerce and digital trade provisions.
What it means for Vietnamese businesses
RCEP’s main benefit is cumulation across 15 economies — inputs from China, Korea or Japan can count as originating. Use the RCEP C/O form; compare rates with the ASEAN+1 FTAs, which may still be lower for some products.
Proof of origin
Usual proof of origin for goods traded with Vietnam: RCEP. Check the current MOIT guidance and the agreement’s product-specific rules.
Related guides
- Certificate of Origin (C/O) in Vietnam: Forms, Rules of Origin and Filing
- HS Code Classification: How to Classify Goods Correctly for Vietnam Customs
- Customs Clearance in Vietnam: A Step-by-Step Guide for Importers and Exporters