In an era of shifting global supply chains and increasingly complex trade regulations, the integrity of a product’s origin has become a cornerstone of international commerce. As the Manager of Certificate of Origin (CO) Office, Fay Wong operates at the intersection of strategic messaging and technical trade compliance. She shares how foundational trade documents like the Ordinary Certificate of Origin (OCO) serve as more than just paperwork—they are vital instruments of trust that reinforce Singapore’s reputation as a premier global trading hub.
Expertise & foundational knowledge
1. As a Manager in International Markets & Partnership, what is your day-to-day work like?
My work sits at the intersection of trade facilitation and business development. I lead and manage the Certificate of Origin Office (COO), ensuring that applications and verifications are carried out in accordance with Singapore Customs’ regulations and operational guidelines.
At the same time, I support local manufacturers in their internationalisation journey — helping them understand the documentation and compliance standards required for global trade.
No two days are the same. My work can range from reviewing Manufacturing Cost Statements (MCS) and Manufacturing Process Flowcharts, guiding applicants on procedural accuracy, to collaborating with partners on trade and compliance initiatives that strengthen Singapore’s manufacturing ecosystem.
2. Why is the Certificate of Origin (CO) important for Singaporean businesses?
The Certificate of Origin (CO) is a key trade document that indicates the country in which a product has been manufactured, processed, or obtained. It serves as an official reference for customs authorities and importers in verifying origin-related information during the clearance process.
For Singapore-based exporters, including SMEs, having a Certificate of Origin in place facilitates smoother customs procedures at destination markets and helps ensure that trade documentation remains accurate and consistent throughout the export process.
3. For companies just starting their internationalization journey, what is the core difference between a preferential CO (for FTAs) and the Ordinary Certificate of Origin (OCO), and why is the OCO still a foundational document?
A preferential CO is issued under a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and allows exporters to enjoy tariff benefits if their goods meet the FTA’s rules of origin.
An Ordinary Certificate of Origin (OCO) applies when goods are not exported under a Free Trade Agreement (FTA). While it does not provide tariff preference, it is often required for import control, verification, or buyer documentation.
For companies taking their first step overseas, the OCO helps them understand the fundamentals of origin documentation and record consistency.
4. You mentioned the OCO certifies goods as ‘Made in Singapore.’ What are the key criteria or rules of origin that manufacturers must satisfy to secure this certification?
Manufacturers must demonstrate that their goods have undergone substantial transformation in Singapore, in accordance with the Non-Preferential Rules of Origin administered by Singapore Customs. This means that the processing or manufacturing carried out locally must result in a new and distinct product with characteristics or functions that differ from the imported materials used.
To support this, companies are required to submit both a Manufacturing Cost Statement (MCS) — detailing the cost composition of materials, labour, and overheads — and a Manufacturing Process Flowchart outlining each key stage of production. These must be accompanied by supplier declarations and relevant invoices. Collectively, these documents enable an objective assessment of whether the production process confers Singapore origin to the finished goods.
Strategic value & business advantage
5. How does a company’s focus on trade compliance and verified origin (via the OCO) translate into a tangible business advantage beyond simply meeting regulatory requirements? (e.g., market access, customer trust).
A duly issued Certificate of Origin (CO) helps exporters avoid unnecessary customs delays, reduce compliance risks, and maintain consistency across their trade documents. It reflects a company’s attention to detail and preparedness to meet international documentation standards — qualities that support smoother transactions and build confidence with overseas business partners.
6. In today’s complex supply chain environment, what role does a verified OCO play in reinforcing Singapore’s standing as a “trusted and reputable global trading hub?”
Each Certificate of Origin (CO) issued by an authorised organisation is subject to a verification process to ensure that applications comply with the relevant rules of origin and documentation requirements.
This contributes to the integrity of Singapore’s trade documentation framework and supports the broader objective of maintaining clear and reliable standards in export certification.
Challenges & best practices for SMEs
7. What are the 2-3 most common mistakes you see SMEs make when applying for the OCO, and what immediate steps can they take to correct them?
A few common issues are observed during the application and verification stages:
8. Maintaining consistency across documentation is essential. What specific internal documents—beyond the application form—must manufacturers keep current and consistent (e.g., supplier declarations) for efficient OCO processing
Manufacturers should maintain an updated Supplier’s Declaration Letter and corresponding invoices, a valid Manufacturing Cost Statement (MCS), and a Manufacturing Process Flowchart.
Keeping these records current and consistent facilitates timely review and provides traceability during audits or verification exercises.
9. In your experience, how has technology or digital transformation started to simplify or automate the OCO application and verification process?
Digitalisation has streamlined the Certificate of Origin process by allowing exporters to submit applications and supporting documents electronically, reducing administrative time and manual handling.
More broadly, digital systems across trade processes have improved efficiency, accessibility, and record management, benefiting both businesses and administrative agencies.
At SMF, ongoing efforts are focused on aligning with this digital direction to enhance accessibility and responsiveness for businesses.
Future of trade compliance
10. Looking ahead, what emerging trends—such as sustainability requirements, digital trade documents, or blockchain technology—do you anticipate will most significantly impact how companies manage product origin certification in the next five years?
Looking ahead, trade compliance is expected to place greater emphasis on automation, auditability, and traceability. As digital systems become more integrated into trade operations, companies will need to ensure that any use of technology for compliance purposes aligns with the relevant legal and regulatory frameworks.
There is also growing focus on measures to prevent counterfeiting and smuggling, such as the inclusion of product authentication features — for example, unique serial numbers or holographic identifiers — to safeguard the integrity of certified goods.
At the same time, maintaining clear audit trails and adopting a strategic approach to compliance management will become increasingly important. These practices not only support verification but also strengthen confidence in the transparency and reliability of trade documentation.
