Not yet fully exploiting the benefits from FTAs
Entering export market since 2026, NVC Group International Trading Co., Ltd. has exported BBQ charcoal to Japan and South Korea. The company's main product is white charcoal made from eucalyptus trees, serving restaurants and households.
In an interview with Industry and Trade Newspaper, Mr. Nguyen Van Chien, Director of NVC Group, said that the company currently produces about 60 tonnes of product per month, with an average selling price of 1,800 USD/ton. The product has been exported to Japan and South Korea, including retail sales to Japanese restaurant chains.
In its export activities to Japan, the company has used Certificate of Origin (C/O) form under Vietnam-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (VJ form), enjoying a 0% import tax. “We had no difficulty obtaining the VJ Certificate of Origin (C/O) because we received support from logistics companies, forwarders and origin certification agencies; origin certification procedures were quite smooth”, Mr. Chien shared.
However, due to its establishment at the end of 2025, NVC Group has not had opportunity to thoroughly research other free trade agreements (FTAs), nor has it fully understood conditions and methods for exploiting preferential treatment from each agreement.
Need to expand export is evident as the company's products have not yet met demand for orders in Japan. Besides difficulties in production conditions, premises and exhaust gas treatment technology, access to market information and trade policies is also a concern for the company.
At Global Green House Cooperative, difficulties in accessing origin policies for goods are also a key issue. Speaking to a reporter from Industry and Trade Newspaper, Mr. Vu Thanh Ton, Director of Business and Communications of the cooperative, said that the unit is building a product ecosystem from chia plants grown in Lai Chau. Besides domestic market, the cooperative has connected with several businesses to introduce products in Japan and also export to the US and Dubai.
However, the cooperative currently mainly exports small quantities, not on a large scale, so it hasn't yet thoroughly researched FTAs. Information about FTAs that the unit accesses is mainly through consulting service businesses that assist with documentation and charge fees. The cooperative also lacks opportunity to directly connect with units under Ministry of Industry and Trade to fully understand agreements, rules of origin and procedures for enjoying preferential treatment.
Reality from these two units shows that, despite having export products and gradually connecting with foreign partners, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) still face difficulties in accessing information about FTAs. Distinguishing between quality certification, import conditions and certificates of origin for preferential tariff treatment is also a matter that needs specific guidance.
Direct guidance and reduced procedural costs are desired.
Based on observations, many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) wish to receive support in understanding policies, completing documentation and carrying out procedures related to origin of goods.
Regarding NVC Group, Mr. Chien positively assessed support from various units in the process of tax procedures, C/O issuance and completing export documents. However, as a newcomer to the market, the enterprise still needs more information about FTAs, especially conditions and methods for utilizing preferential tariffs.
Meanwhile, Global Green House Cooperative wishes to receive direct guidance on trade agreements and origin procedures. According to Mr. Ton, if Ministry of Industry and Trade supports the cooperative in understanding policies, completing dossiers and carrying out necessary procedures, it will have more opportunities to expand exports and reduce cost of hiring external services.
Currently, the cooperative has certifications to access several markets such as FDA for the US, Halal for the Middle East and Dubai markets, and ISO 22000. However, the cooperative has not yet proactively undertaken procedures related to certificates of origin and tariff preferences from FTAs.
Mr. Ton stated that when shifting to large-scale and direct exports, the cooperative will research regulations and follow procedures to obtain appropriate certificates of origin to benefit from preferential tariffs. According to him, leveraging FTA preferences is practical, especially when businesses access large markets. If they meet conditions of the agreement, businesses can be exempt from or receive reductions in import taxes, thereby facilitating business operations.
Besides procedural support, the cooperative hopes that information about FTAs and trade promotion programs will be widely disseminated and more easily accessible. Businesses need to understand the preferences and application conditions to proactively standardize product quality and design according to the requirements of foreign customers.

Source: Vitic/ congthuong.vn