A Certificate of Origin (CO) is a document that states the country where the goods were produced. Customs in the importing country may require it to apply the correct duties, quotas or trade measures, or to grant preferential treatment under a trade agreement.
The country of origin is not the country the goods were shipped from. It is the country where they were wholly obtained or where they underwent their last substantial transformation, according to the applicable rules.
The two main types
Non-preferential certificates confirm the origin of the goods without granting any duty reduction. They are often requested by the buyer, the bank or the importing country. In many cases they are certified by a chamber of commerce.
Preferential certificates are used to claim reduced or zero duties under a free trade agreement. Each agreement has its own rules of origin and its own format. Under some agreements, such as USMCA, the certification of origin can be completed by the importer, exporter or producer, as long as it includes the required data.
What it usually includes
- Exporter and consignee details.
- Description of the goods and quantities.
- Tariff classification (HS code), when required.
- Country of origin.
- Invoice reference and transport details.
- Signature of the exporter and, when applicable, certification by the competent organization.
Some destination countries also require the certificate to be legalized by their consulate.
Common mistakes
- Descriptions that do not match the commercial invoice or packing list.
- Confusing the country of shipment with the country of origin.
- Using the wrong form for the trade agreement.
- Missing signatures, stamps or legalization required by the destination country.
- Requesting the certificate too late, after the goods have shipped.
Who issues it
The exporter prepares the information. Depending on the type, the certificate is certified by a chamber of commerce or another competent organization, or it is self-certified by the exporter, producer or importer under the rules of a trade agreement.
How OEG Internacional can help
We help organize and review the export documentation for your shipment and coordinate the steps with the competent organizations. OEG Internacional does not issue official Certificates of Origin.