What is a Certificate of Origin used for?

The Certificate of Origin document will be used by the importer’s freight forwarder, customs agent, or customs broker during the import customs clearance process. Customs authorities use this certificate as proof that the goods have been manufactured within the country of export which can reduce or eliminate the import duties to be paid on the goods. Some countries also require a Certificate of Origin for the export of certain goods and in some instances when stipulated in a letter of credit, the buyer will require a Certificate of Origin to authorize their bank to issue a letter of credit and payment.

How to create a Certificate of Origin

1. Open IncoDocs

   Open IncoDocs in your browser and navigate to the “Export Docs” section.

2. Choose the Certificate of Origin template

   Click on 'New document set' and select the Certificate of Origin template along with any other export documents you wish to create.

3. Fill out & customize your doc

   Fill out the document, customize template fields to your needs and add your company letterhead. To save time and prevent re-entry errors, enter key shipment data into the Master File to have it sync across all other documents in your set automatically.

4. Sign & seal

   Click on the signature box at the bottom of your document to create and place a digital signature then hit “Save & Quit”. On the document preview screen, click on the ‘More’ dropdown button and select “Add company seal” to place a digital stamp.

5. Download or share

   Download or share documents from IncoDocs in 1-click. Documents can be downloaded as PDF or CSV which can be imported into other systems without manual re-entry.

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Your questions, answered.

How to obtain a Certificate of Origin from a Chamber of Commerce

Each country have their own set Chambers of Commerce that will specialize in certificate of origin documents.  For example, if you’ve shipped products from the USA to Canada, you can contact any local or state American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) and submit your NAFTA certificate (now renegotiated as the USMCA) or declaration of origin template. Most Chambers still manually sign and stamp original documents, while others may offer an online digital certificate of origin solution.

Popular Chambers of Commerce around the world:

What information is included on a Certificate of Origin Document?

A Declaration Of Origin or Certificate of Origin form will include the below details:

Can I import without Certificate of Origin?

Yes, it is possible to import goods without a Certificate of Origin, though it might not always be advantageous. Lacking this certificate, your imports might not be eligible for benefits under preferential trade agreements, which could exempt you from certain tariffs. As a result, you might face higher import duties. Therefore, while it's not required, possessing a Certificate of Origin can often lead to substantial savings on tariffs and facilitate smoother customs processing.

Who fills out and signs the Certificate of Origin?

The Certificate of Origin is typically completed and signed by the exporter or the manufacturer. They ensure that the product meets the criteria set out in the relevant trade agreement.

In cases where the exporter is not the manufacturer, an authorized agent or a third-party may be permitted to fill out and sign the certificate on their behalf.

Can a Certificate of Origin be amended after submission?

Yes, it is possible to amend a Certificate of Origin after it has been submitted. To make amendments, you should contact the issuing authority and provide the correct details along with a clear explanation of why the changes are necessary. You might also need to submit additional supporting documents. The issuing body will review the amended details and, if approved, reissue the certificate. It's important to ensure that any amendments comply with the regulations of the importing country and the applicable trade agreements.

What are the common mistakes when filling out the Certificate of Origin

Common mistakes when filling out a Certificate of Origin include:

Careful attention to detail and double-checking entries can prevent these common errors, ensuring smoother customs clearance.

What types of products require a Certificate of origin?

Certificates of Origin are typically required for various types of products to verify their manufacturing location for trade purposes. Some common examples include:

The need for a Certificate of Origin varies based on the product type, destination country, and the applicable trade agreements, as they help secure tariff reductions or exemptions. Exporters should confirm whether their products need such certification to comply with international trade laws and benefit from tariff advantages.

Is this Certificate of Origin template free?

Yes, the Certificate of Origin template is free to use at IncoDocs. You can sign up for a free account and access the template, along with other useful documentation tools.