Lead: On April 30, 2026, newly released Ministry of Commerce data showed that the value of certificates of origin issued by China under the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership increased by 22.2% year on year in April. The update is especially relevant to tissue converting equipment exporters, machinery manufacturers, customs service providers, and companies shipping equipment to Vietnam and Thailand, because eligible complete tissue converting lines and core modules may benefit from zero tariffs and faster clearance through electronic certificates of origin.

Event Overview

According to the latest data from the Ministry of Commerce, the value of certificates of origin issued by China under the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership in April 2026 increased by 22.2% year on year.

The disclosed information also states that exports of tissue converting equipment to Vietnam and Thailand increased significantly. Under the updated rules, complete tissue converting lines and core modules that comply with RCEP rules of origin, including slitting, embossing, and automatic rewinding systems, may use electronic certificates of origin to enjoy zero tariffs.

The same information indicates that eligible shipments may also use the advance ruling plus fast customs clearance channel, with average customs clearance time shortened to within 36 hours.

Which Segments May Be Affected

Direct Exporters of Tissue Converting Equipment

Direct exporters are affected because the disclosed measures are linked to equipment shipped to Vietnam and Thailand under RCEP origin rules. For companies exporting complete tissue converting lines or eligible core modules, the main impact is likely to appear in tariff treatment, customs documentation, and shipment timing.

From an industry perspective, the zero-tariff arrangement and electronic certificate process may make order execution more predictable for eligible exports. However, companies still need to confirm whether each product configuration meets the applicable RCEP origin requirements before treating the benefit as available.

Machinery and Module Manufacturers

Manufacturers of slitting, embossing, and automatic rewinding systems may be affected because these core modules are specifically included in the disclosed scope. The impact is mainly reflected in product classification, origin documentation, and coordination between production records and export certification.

Analysis shows that manufacturers may need to pay closer attention to whether complete lines and individual modules are documented consistently. If production, procurement, and export records do not match the origin certification requirements, the ability to use the electronic certificate and related customs facilitation may be affected.

Export Operations and Customs Service Providers

Customs brokers, freight forwarders, and export operation teams may be affected because the update mentions electronic certificates of origin and the advance ruling plus fast customs clearance channel. The operational focus is not only tariff reduction, but also whether documents are prepared in a way that supports faster clearance.

Observably, the reported clearance time of within 36 hours makes document accuracy more important. Incomplete origin materials, inconsistent product descriptions, or unclear module information could reduce the practical value of the fast clearance channel.

Buyers and Import-Side Partners in Vietnam and Thailand

Importers, local distributors, and production operators in Vietnam and Thailand may be affected because eligible equipment shipments from China can receive zero-tariff treatment under the disclosed rules. The impact may appear in landed cost assessment, delivery scheduling, and coordination with suppliers on certification materials.

It is more appropriate to understand this as a change that may improve import-side execution for eligible equipment, rather than a general reduction in all equipment import costs. Buyers still need to verify whether the specific equipment line or module qualifies under the stated RCEP rules of origin.

What Companies and Practitioners Should Watch and How to Respond

Verify Eligibility Under RCEP Rules of Origin

Companies should first confirm whether the complete tissue converting line or core module complies with RCEP origin requirements. This should include product descriptions, module scope, production records, and export documentation for slitting, embossing, and automatic rewinding systems where relevant.

What deserves closer attention now is the distinction between being in a product category mentioned in the update and actually qualifying for preferential treatment. The zero-tariff benefit depends on compliance with the applicable origin rules.

Prepare Electronic Certificate Materials Before Shipment

Exporters should prepare electronic certificate of origin materials early in the shipment process. Product names, module descriptions, contract information, and customs declaration details should be aligned to avoid delays during clearance.

From an industry perspective, faster clearance is meaningful only when certification materials are complete and consistent. Companies shipping to Vietnam and Thailand should coordinate sales, documentation, logistics, and customs teams before the goods depart.

Use Advance Ruling Procedures Where Applicable

The disclosed information refers to an advance ruling plus fast customs clearance channel. Companies with repeated shipments or complex equipment configurations should consider whether advance ruling procedures can help clarify classification, origin eligibility, or customs treatment before shipment.

Analysis shows that this is particularly relevant for complete lines with multiple core modules. Early confirmation may reduce uncertainty during import clearance and support more reliable delivery planning.

Separate Policy Signals From Business Execution

The reported 22.2% year-on-year increase in RCEP certificate value and the significant rise in tissue converting equipment exports to Vietnam and Thailand are important signals. However, each company still needs to evaluate actual order terms, product eligibility, certificate processing, and customs execution.

It is more appropriate to understand the update as a practical facilitation opportunity for eligible trade, not as an automatic benefit for every shipment. Companies should avoid assuming zero tariffs or faster clearance without confirming documentation and origin compliance.

Editor’s View / Industry Observation

Observably, this update points to a more direct connection between RCEP origin certification and the cross-border movement of specialized manufacturing equipment. For tissue converting equipment, the value lies not only in possible tariff savings, but also in shorter customs clearance time for qualifying shipments.

Analysis shows that the information is both a result and a signal. The 22.2% increase in certificate value is a disclosed result for April 2026, while the application of electronic certificates, zero tariffs, and fast clearance for eligible equipment is a signal that origin compliance is becoming more central to export execution.

From an industry perspective, companies should continue to monitor official statements and implementation details, especially for equipment exported to Vietnam and Thailand. The practical effect will depend on whether exporters can translate policy eligibility into accurate documentation and smooth customs procedures.

Conclusion

The April 2026 increase in RCEP certificate value and the stated facilitation for eligible tissue converting equipment exports highlight the growing operational importance of origin certification in regional equipment trade.

For exporters, manufacturers, customs service providers, and import-side partners, the current update is best understood as a targeted opportunity for compliant shipments rather than a blanket change for all equipment exports. The more rational response is to verify eligibility, strengthen documentation, and prepare customs procedures before shipment.

Information Source Statement

Main source: Latest data and disclosed information from the Ministry of Commerce regarding RCEP certificates of origin in April 2026.

Items for continued observation: Further official explanations on implementation details, documentation requirements, and practical customs clearance procedures for eligible tissue converting lines and core modules exported to Vietnam and Thailand.