SMCCI Trade Documentation counter at Jalan Pinang.
Since 1 August 2026, SMCCI has transitioned from manual Certificate of Origin submissions to the electronic Certificate of Origin, or e-CO, system.
For businesses accustomed to submitting physical documents, the new process may initially feel unfamiliar. The change, however, represents an important step towards a more streamlined and digitally enabled trade documentation process.
SMCCI remains available to guide businesses as they make the transition.
What Is a Certificate of Origin?
A Certificate of Origin, or CO, is a trade document that certifies the country or territory where goods originate.
For businesses involved in international trade, a CO may be requested by overseas customs authorities, buyers, banks, or other parties as part of the import and export process.
SMCCI is one of the authorised organisations in Singapore that can issue Ordinary Certificates of Origin.
What Changed on 1 August?
Previously, businesses applying through SMCCI could submit their CO applications manually.
From 1 August 2026, the process moved to the electronic system. Businesses are now required to register for an e-CO account and submit their applications digitally.
Instead of relying on physical forms and manual processing, businesses can manage their submissions through an online workflow.
For companies that regularly export goods, this means gradually moving towards a more convenient and consistent way of managing Certificate of Origin applications.
Why Move to e-CO?
The transition reflects the wider digitalisation of Singapore’s trade ecosystem.
Singapore already operates digital trade platforms such as TradeNet to facilitate the submission and processing of trade related documentation. Moving CO applications online supports the same direction by reducing reliance on paper based processes and enabling businesses to manage their documentation digitally.
For businesses, the transition can also make it easier to maintain records and manage repeat applications over time.
New System, Same Responsibility
While the way businesses submit their applications has changed, the responsibility for the information provided has not.
Businesses must continue to ensure that the information submitted in an e-CO application is complete, accurate, and supported by the appropriate documentation.
This includes confirming the correct country of origin, product descriptions, invoices, shipment details, and other information required for the application.
For a deeper look at country of origin requirements and why goods passing through Singapore do not automatically become Singapore origin, read our earlier article, “Does Passing Through Singapore Make Your Goods Singapore-Origin?”
Getting Started with e-CO
If your business has yet to make the transition, the first step is to register for an e-CO account.
Once your account has been approved, you can begin submitting applications electronically. Businesses should also familiarise themselves with the digital submission process and ensure that the necessary supporting documents are readily available before applying.
For companies that have already been approved, the next step is simply to become familiar with the new workflow.
Like any new system, it may take a few submissions before the process becomes familiar.
SMCCI Is Here to Support the Transition
Going digital should make trade documentation more convenient, not more complicated.
If you are unsure about the registration process, navigating the e-CO platform, or preparing your application, reach out to the SMCCI team (info@smcci.org.sg) for assistance.
We are here to help businesses understand the new process and transition confidently from manual submissions to e-CO.
The platform may have changed, but SMCCI’s role remains the same: helping businesses navigate their Certificate of Origin applications with greater ease and confidence.