Brazil and Bolivia launched a pilot program this Monday (April 14,04.2025, XNUMX) for the implementation of the Digital Certificate of Origin (COD), a key tool for modernizing and streamlining trade between the two countries. The digitalization of the certification process, coordinated by Brazil's Ministry of Development, Industry, Commerce and Services (MDIC), represents a significant step toward more agile, secure, and efficient procedures for bilateral exports and imports.
According to the MDIC statement, this testing phase aims to identify possible system adjustments and allow exporters and importers to become familiar with the electronic procedures for issuing and receiving CODs.
Currently, trade transactions between Brazil and Bolivia rely on physical documentation, which generates higher costs and delays. With the adoption of COD, the processing time is expected to be reduced from 48 hours to just two hours, and process costs will be cut by 2%.
“Trade facilitation is a priority for the Brazilian government. With the adoption of the COD, trade between Brazil and Bolivia will become more fluid, benefiting businesses and consumers,” said the Minister. vice president and minister of the MDIC, Geraldo Alckmin. He added: "This is yet another measure that demonstrates the ongoing efforts to make processes more streamlined and less costly for our foreign trade."
The Certificate of Origin is a key document for exporters to access tariff benefits established in trade agreements. In the case of Brazil and Bolivia, these preferences are provided for in Economic Complementation Agreement No. 36, within the framework of ALADI.
The COD meets strict security standards and provides greater reliability for foreign trade. "The digital signatures contained in this document guarantee the authenticity of the author and the integrity of the content," stated the MDIC. In this sense, digitization reduces the risk of fraud and facilitates verification of the certificate's authenticity.
In addition to boosting bilateral trade, this initiative is part of the regional integration process. Bolivia has been a full member of MERCOSUR since July 2024, reinforcing the strategic importance of moving toward common digital tools..
For Secretary of Foreign Trade of the MDIC, Tatiana Prazeres, The initiative consolidates Brazil's commitment to modernizing trade: "The implementation of the Digital Certificate of Origin with Bolivia demonstrates our ongoing efforts to facilitate trade, promoting greater efficiency, security, and competitiveness for Brazilian companies," he noted.
The launch of the pilot program marks the final step before the definitive implementation of the Digital Certificate of Origin between Brazil and Bolivia, scheduled for the second half of 2025.
Aduana News is the first Argentine customs newspaper to launch its digital version. With 20 years of experience, its publications and initiatives aim to provide the most relevant knowledge on customs issues in order to contribute to safe trade in the region.
