A majority of exporters believe that getting a certificate of origin (COO) stamped is the easiest part of trade documentation.
For this reason, they often overlook the necessity of investing in the
right kind of software app. As a result, it becomes complex to prepare
compliant and error-free origin certificates, especially when an
exporter deals in different types of commodities. Things may get worst
when there are importers from different countries, demanding different
certificate formats and needs.
Fortunately, there are app developing companies that allow exporters to have comprehensive demos of their apps. So, based on your individual need, you end up choosing the one which you find the best bet for your export business. Now, the big question is how to review an app during the demo. Let’s learn it below.
Is the App Versatile?
You may at present need an app only to obtain a TAFTA certificate of origin, as you export only to Thailand. However, you may in the future expand your export limits to different countries. Hence, the app you buy must cover different origin certificate formats. For example, it should facilitate completing:
- AANZFTA certificate of origin for export to ASEAN countries and New Zealand
- KAFTA certificate of origin for export to Korea
- JAEPA certificate of origin for export to Japan and so on
Similarly, the app should let you submit COO for stamping to different chambers of commerce across Australia. It is particularly important if you have or may have in the future business branches in different states of the country.
How’s the App’s Accessibility?
In today’s world, where options like remote working, work from home and others define work culture, it is important to adopt the most accessible technology. For instance, you might not be present in front of the office desktop, but you want to submit a COO for stamping. Because of these needs, you must test that the app:
- Is cloud-based, so that you can access it using a laptop or smartphone and not only a desktop.
- Allows remote printing of the stamped origin certificates and that too, in the desired formats.
- Is compatible with different operating systems as well as browsers. In addition, it should have arrangements to receive automatic upgrades.
How Friendly the App Is?
Finally, you must test the app based on its user-friendliness. Apart from a simple interface, it should be secure enough for uncompromised access from anywhere. Moreover, the app should facilitate seamless integration with the IT systems you already have in place. Last, but not least, an easily-available customer support system from the vendor would make the app an asset for your export activities.
Usually, a good app for generating origin certificates should come as a standalone app, not forcing you to buy an entire package. If the demo meets each of these requirements, you can shortlist the app and make a final comparison with the other shortlisted ones.
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