What Is CO/CQ? Why Do Businesses Need CO/CQ When Purchasing Goods?

In today’s business environment, especially in the procurement of industrial equipment, machinery, technical materials, medical devices, and technology solutions, the terms CO/CQ appear with increasing frequency. Beyond import–export activities, CO/CQ documents are now critical components in bidding dossiers, acceptance procedures, final settlement, and internal quality control.

However, many businesses still ask:

• What is CO/CQ?

• Are CO and CQ the same?

• Why is CO/CQ required when purchasing goods?

• Is CO/CQ mandatory in all cases?

This article provides a clear, practical, and business-oriented explanation of CO/CQ, helping enterprises understand how to apply them correctly in real-world operations.

What Is CO? (Certificate of Origin)

CO (Certificate of Origin) is an official document that certifies the country or territory where goods are manufactured, issued by a competent authority in the exporting country.

What Does a CO Certify?

A CO confirms:

• The origin of the goods

• Compliance with rules of origin

• Eligibility for preferential import tariffs under Free Trade Agreements (FTAs)

Who Issues the CO?

Depending on the country, a CO may be issued by:

• Chambers of Commerce and Industry

• Export–import authorities

• Government-authorized organizations

COs are typically issued per shipment, based on valid export documentation.

Common Types of CO

Some widely used CO forms include:

• CO Form A

• CO Form D (ASEAN)

• CO Form E (ASEAN–China)

• CO Form AK, AJ, EUR.1, etc.

👉 Each CO type corresponds to a specific trade agreement and tariff preference scheme.

What Is CQ? (Certificate of Quality)

CQ (Certificate of Quality) is a document that certifies the quality and technical compliance of a product, issued by:

• The manufacturer

• Or an accredited quality inspection or certification body

for a specific product or shipment.

What Information Does a CQ Contain?

A CQ confirms that the product:

• Meets declared quality standards

• Complies with technical specifications

• Is safe and suitable for intended use

CQ documents are often accompanied by:

• Product catalogues

• Datasheets

• Test reports (where applicable)

CO vs. CQ: Key Differences Explained

➡️ CO and CQ serve different purposes but are often required together.

Why Do Businesses Need CO/CQ When Purchasing Goods?

1. Clear Proof of Product Origin

A CO helps businesses:

• Verify genuine and legitimate products

• Avoid counterfeit or grey-market goods

• Ensure legal compliance during audits or inspections

This is especially critical for:

• Imported goods

• High-value equipment

• Regulated or government-funded projects

2. Assurance of Product Quality and Compliance

A CQ provides:

• A basis for verifying contractual technical specifications

• Confidence in product performance and durability

• Reduced operational and maintenance risks

In sectors such as:

• Healthcare

• Manufacturing

• Automation

• Electrical and electronic equipment

👉 CQ is often considered essential.

3. Mandatory Requirement in Bidding and Acceptance Processes

In many:

• Public procurement projects

• Hospital tenders

• Large enterprise contracts

CO/CQ documents are mandatory components of:

• Bid submissions

• Acceptance and commissioning dossiers

• Final settlement documentation

❌ Missing CO/CQ may result in bid disqualification or rejection during acceptance.

4. Smoother Import and Customs Clearance

CO documents support:

• Preferential import duties

• Faster customs clearance

• Reduced risk of shipment delays

CQ documents help:

• Meet sector-specific regulatory requirements

• Avoid extended quality inspections

• Prevent goods from being held at customs

5. Enhanced Credibility for Both Suppliers and Buyers

Suppliers who provide CO/CQ demonstrate:

• Transparency

• Professionalism

• Accountability

Buyers who require CO/CQ:

• Better manage procurement risks

• Protect business interests

• Minimize post-delivery disputes

Beetech – A Supplier That Always Provides Full CO/CQ Documentation

In real-world procurement and project implementation, selecting a supplier that consistently provides complete and accurate CO/CQ documentation is a decisive factor for success.

In Vietnam, Beetech is widely recognized as a solution provider that always supplies full CO/CQ documentation with delivered products, particularly in the following areas:

• Barcode and RFID equipment

• Automation solutions

• Technology systems and technical devices

• Projects in healthcare, logistics, and manufacturing

All CO/CQ documents provided by Beetech:

• Accurately reflect the actual origin of the products

• Are fully consistent with contracts, invoices, and packing lists

• Meet requirements for tendering, acceptance, and final settlement

By proactively providing CO/CQ from the purchasing stage, Beetech enables its customers to:

• Minimize legal and compliance risks

• Simplify acceptance and payment procedures

• Gain confidence in the quality and legitimacy of deployed equipment

As businesses increasingly prioritize standardization, transparency, and risk management, partnering with suppliers that guarantee complete CO/CQ documentation, such as Beetech, is considered a strategic advantage for medium- and long-term projects.

When Is CO/CQ Commonly Required?

CO/CQ is typically required when purchasing:

• Medical devices and equipment

• Industrial machinery

• Electrical and electronic systems

• Technology solutions (barcode, RFID, automation)

• High-value technical materials

Especially in industries such as:

• Healthcare

• Manufacturing

• Logistics

• Industrial laundry services

• Retail chains

Is CO/CQ Always Mandatory?

❗ Not in every case, but:

• For projects, tenders, and large enterprises → almost always required

• For imported or technical goods → strongly recommended

• For small consumer products → may not be necessary

👉 Nevertheless, having CO/CQ is always an advantage.

Key Points to Check When Reviewing CO/CQ Documents

Businesses should verify:

• Product name and model

• Manufacturer details

• Batch number or serial number (if applicable)

• Issue date and official seals

• Consistency with invoices and packing lists

❌ Avoid accepting CO/CQ documents that are unclear, inconsistent, or unverifiable.

CO/CQ in the Modern Enterprise Context

In an era of:

• Standardization

• Transparency

• Digital transformation

CO/CQ documents are no longer just paperwork; they are:

• Risk management tools

• Indicators of professional procurement practices

• Foundations for sustainable operations

Conclusion

CO/CQ is more than documentation—it represents:

• Legal compliance

• Quality assurance

• Protection of business interests

As markets become increasingly regulated and competitive, requiring CO/CQ when purchasing goods is a sound, forward-looking decision, particularly for enterprises and technical projects.

👉 Buying products with CO/CQ means investing in transparency, reliability, and long-term sustainability.

📧 Email: info@beetech.com.vn
🌐 Website: https://beetech.com.vn