In the wake of moves to streamline the process, since Feb 3 all commercial certification of businesses for the Jilin Council for the Promotion of International Trade can be handled online, on telephone, by post and by appointment, according to authorities of the northeastern province.

Officials said that the move aims to minimize the number and concentration of personnel at the certifications window and reduce the risk of cross infection from the novel coronavirus pneumonia (NCP).

Businesses effected include applications for the general/preferential certificate of origin, consular certification, the international commercial certificate and others.

Companies can apply the certificates online and print them by themselves.

Officials said for those businesses requiring providing paper documentation, companies can make contact via WeChat or telephone and then post the materials.

For matters of urgency, companies can get in touch for an appointment and reasonable on-site handling will be arranged, according to officials.