When Hong Kong company documents are to be used overseas, clients, banks, customs brokers, overseas government authorities, or consulates may require HKGCC certification by the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce.
HKGCC stands for The Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce. Its common services include Certificates of Origin and trade documentation services, such as Certificates of Origin, Certification of Documents, Certified Invoices, Certified True Copies, ATA Carnets, and certain consular endorsement facilitation services.
HKGCC Certification of Documents
In many countries, especially in the Middle East, trade documents must first be certified by a recognized local chamber of commerce to confirm their authenticity before they can be regarded as valid documents.
The Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce is internationally recognized for the certification of commercial documents. Documents certified by HKGCC can help enhance mutual trust between trading partners and protect the interests of both parties.
Common Types of HKGCC Certification of Documents
Certification of Documents (A) mainly applies to designated export documents, such as Certificates of Origin, import and export declarations, product conformity certificates, certificates of non-manipulation, Mexico-related attachments, packing lists, air waybills, bills of lading, and vessel certificates.
Certification of Documents (B) covers a wider range of commercial documents, such as business registration certificates, certificates of incorporation, annual returns, price lists, health certificates, exporter registration certificates, export declarations, certificates issued by the applicant, free trade certificates, and commercial letters.
Certified Invoice (C), commonly referred to as invoice endorsement or commercial invoice certification, is mainly used for customs clearance, letter of credit requirements, and certain consular requirements for commercial invoices.
Certified True Copy (D) is used to certify that a copy is true to the original. It is suitable where an important original document cannot be submitted, or where there is a concern that the original may be lost or damaged during the submission process.
Further Authentication After HKGCC Certification
After HKGCC certification is completed, further authentication may be required depending on the destination country.
- HKGCC certification only
This applies where the receiving party only requires HKGCC certification. - HKGCC certification followed by Hong Kong Apostille
This applies where the document is to be used in a Hague Apostille Convention member country and the receiving party requires a Hong Kong Apostille. - HKGCC certification followed by further authentication in Hong Kong or consular authentication by a foreign consulate in Hong Kong
This applies to certain non-Hague countries, or where the consulate clearly requires authentication through a consulate in Hong Kong. - HKGCC certification followed by CCPIT certification in Mainland China
After HKGCC certification, the document may be submitted to the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade in Mainland China. Depending on the destination country, it may then proceed to authentication by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China, a Mainland China Apostille, or authentication by a foreign embassy in China.
In other words, HKGCC certification may be the final step in some cases, while in other cases it may only be the first step in a longer authentication chain.
How to Verify HKGCC Certification
Certified documents usually contain a QR code, verification code, or certification information. The receiving party can verify whether the document was issued by HKGCC through the HKGCC website or by scanning the QR code with a mobile phone.
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