Certificates of origin issued by Yiwu Customs [Photo/zgyww.cn]

From January to April, Yiwu Customs issued 46,000 preferential certificates of origin for exports worth $5.55 billion, saving exporters about 388 million yuan ($54.72) in tariffs, local media reported on May 13.

"The General Administration of Customs started to promote the remote printing of certificates in March 2019, which has saved on costs for foreign trade companies," said an officer at Yiwu Customs.

The certificates of origin are an important means of expanding regional exports amidst slow global economic recovery, sluggish international trade, and declining market demand.

According to the General Administration of Customs on May 11, Indonesia, Singapore, and India are now included in the countries whose certificates of origin can be printed remotely.

Customs statistics showed that in 2019 over 31,000 certificates were issued for three countries, and the increased number of certificates will benefit over 4,000 importers and exporters in Yiwu.