Brazil adopts digital certificate of origin to speed up exports to Bolivia

Trade operations between Brazil and Bolivia can now be conducted more efficiently and at a lower cost. As of Monday (September 1), Brazilian exporters can use the new digital system, which reduces the issuance time of certificates of origin from 48 hours to just 2 hours.

This vital trade facilitation measure will benefit several economic sectors engaged in bilateral trade with Bolivia. The main exported products include foodstuffs and preparations, iron and steel bars, and paper and cardboard.

The certificate of origin is essential to ensure the elimination of import tariffs for access to the Bolivian market, as provided under the Economic Complementation Agreement No. 36 (ACE-36). The process of implementing the Digital Certificate of Origin (COD), which began in April 2024, was completed in July this year, marking the start of a new phase of integration and simplification in bilateral trade, which totals US$3 billion annually. The negotiation process involved government authorities, certifying entities, and trade operators from both countries.

The digital certificate of origin — a document that proves the origin of goods — also represents a leap in terms of security, providing greater reliability in foreign trade. The COD utilizes digital signatures that ensure authenticity and integrity, thereby reducing fraud risks and facilitating verification by authorities.

“The implementation of the digital certificate of origin with Bolivia helps boost bilateral trade, with less bureaucracy for companies and greater trust between trading partners,” said Tatiana Prazeres, Secretary of Foreign Trade.

The implementation of the COD with Bolivia, starting September 1, is even more relevant given the country’s recent accession to Mercosur, whose Protocol of Accession was ratified in early 2024. Bolivia is now in the process of incorporating the bloc’s rules, opening new paths for regional growth, increased investment, and stronger South American integration.

Source: Informativo dos Portos

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