VLP Legal Press #10
Origin Certification Letter (OCL) for Exports to the United States
Prakas No. 047 on Procedure for Applying and Issuing Origin Certification Letter (OCL) for Exports to the United States dated 30 April 2025
📃 What is an OCL?
Different from the common Certificate of Origin, it is an official document specifically for goods as listed in Annex 1 of Prakas No. 047 to be exported to the United States confirming that they meet the agreed rules of origin and qualify for trade benefits under the Cambodia–U.S. arrangement.
💡 What is the purpose of this Prakas No. 047?
To prevent origin fraud in exports to the U.S.
To strengthen monitoring of local value content in exported goods.
To ensure compliance with Cambodia’s Law on Rules of Origin and U.S. rules of origin.
🚢 To whom does it apply?
All producers and/or exporters of certain goods originating in Cambodia listed in Annex 1 of Prakas No.047.
🕵🏼 Which authority issues the OCL?
The General Directorate of Trade Support Services under the Ministry of Commerce (MOC).
📝What should the exporters of goods to U.S. do to comply with Prakas No. 047?
1. Determine Applicability
Confirm whether the goods to be exported are listed in Annex I of Prakas No. 047.
Ensure the goods originate in Cambodia under Cambodia’s and U.S. rules of origin.
2. Pre-Application Registration
Register on the Ministry of Commerce’s CO automation system: https://co.moc.gov.kh/
Familiarize with the MOC’s existing procedures for Certificates of Origin. Please note that this application for OCL is not the same as the current Certificate of Origin regime under the MOC’s existing procedures, although it uses the same system.
3. Prepare for Initial OCL Application
Ensure production site/business premises is ready for inspection.
Compile all required origin-related documents (e.g., bills of materials, production records, purchase invoices).
4. Undergo On-Site Inspection
Host MOC officials for the initial compliance inspection.
Provide full access to relevant production and documentation areas.
5. Follow SOP for Issuance (Annex II of Prakas No. 047)
Understand steps for initial and subsequent OCL applications.
Maintain proper record-keeping for verification.
Be ready for risk-based inspections or investigations from complaints.
6. Coordinate with Authorities
Cooperate with MOC requests for data exchange between ministries.
Respond to verification inquiries from U.S. authorities when needed.
7. After Issuance
Keep a copy of the issued OCL for each shipment.
Ensure future shipments follow subsequent issuance procedures without skipping documentation steps.
8. Validity
Monitor expiry dates and validity conditions for issued OCLs.
9. Compliance Monitoring
Keep internal compliance records updated.
Train staff on OCL requirements and potential inspection triggers.
💰Are there any fees?
No public service fee is charged for applying for an OCL.
⏰ When does the Prakas take effect?
12 May 2025
This is for general reference only and does not constitute legal advice. For further guidance, contact us at: