Certificate of Origin Generator
Certifies where goods were produced. Usually stamped by a chamber of commerce and required to claim tariff treatment or satisfy a letter of credit.
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| 6 Item No. | Marks & Numbers | No. of Pkgs | Kind of Packages | Description of Goods | HS Code | 7 Quantity | Unit | Gross Weight (KG) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
It is hereby certified, on the basis of control carried out, that the declaration by the exporter is correct and that the goods described above originate in .
About this document
A certificate of origin states where goods were produced, not where they were shipped from and not where the seller is based. That distinction is the whole point. Origin determines the duty rate, whether a preferential trade agreement applies, and whether a quota or sanction bites. Most certificates are stamped by a chamber of commerce, which certifies the exporter's declaration rather than independently verifying the factory.
Preferential and non-preferential origin
A non-preferential certificate simply records where goods were made, and is used for statistics, quotas and general customs purposes. A preferential certificate claims a reduced or zero duty rate under a specific trade agreement, and the rules for earning it are much stricter. There will be a value-added threshold or a required tariff-heading change. Claiming preference you cannot substantiate is a customs offence, not a paperwork error.
Substantial transformation
Goods made from imported components originate where they last underwent substantial transformation. Broadly, that means where they became a different product with a different character and use. Assembling imported parts into a finished machine usually qualifies. Repacking, sorting, labelling or diluting usually does not. When a shipment mixes origins, the certificate must say so line by line rather than declaring a single convenient country.
Getting it certified
Chambers of commerce want the certificate, a copy of the commercial invoice, and often a declaration from the manufacturer. Prepare all three together. A mismatch between the goods description on the invoice and on the certificate is the most common reason a chamber sends the application back. Some chambers now certify electronically, which is faster but does not change what evidence they want.
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Keep building your document set
- Commercial InvoiceGoods, values and payment details.
- Packing List — DetailedPackages, weights and dimensions.
- Certificate of OriginThe declared origin of your goods.
- Bill of LadingShipper, consignee and cargo details.
- Shipper's Letter of InstructionInstructions for your freight forwarder.
- Verified Gross Mass DeclarationThe verified weight of a packed container.
Questions
+Who issues a certificate of origin?
Usually a chamber of commerce in the exporting country, acting on the exporter's declaration. Some destinations additionally require legalisation by their own embassy or consulate. For certain trade agreements the exporter can self-certify instead, which is what a declaration of origin is for.
+What is the difference between a certificate of origin and a declaration of origin?
A certificate is issued and stamped by a third party, normally a chamber of commerce. A declaration is a statement the exporter makes themselves, often printed directly on the invoice. Where a trade agreement permits self-certification the declaration is sufficient and far quicker. Where it does not, only the stamped certificate will clear.
+Is country of origin the same as the country goods were shipped from?
No, and conflating them is the most common error on the form. Origin is where the goods were produced or last substantially transformed. Goods manufactured in Vietnam, warehoused in Singapore and shipped to Rotterdam are of Vietnamese origin, shipped from Singapore.
+Do I need a certificate of origin for every shipment?
No. It is required when the destination customs authority asks for one, when a letter of credit calls for it, or when you are claiming preferential duty. Plenty of routine shipments between countries without a relevant agreement need no certificate at all. Check the destination's requirements before paying for one.
+How long is a certificate of origin valid?
It relates to a specific consignment rather than having a general shelf life, so it is valid for that shipment. Preferential certificates under some agreements must be presented within a set window after issue, commonly twelve months. Blanket certifications covering repeat shipments have an explicit stated period.
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