Declaration of Origin Template
A self-certified origin statement made by the exporter, used where a full chamber-stamped certificate of origin is not required.
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The exporter of the products covered by this document declares that, except where otherwise clearly indicated, these products are of preferential origin. The exporter accepts responsibility for the accuracy of this declaration and undertakes to produce supporting evidence to the customs authorities on request.
About this document
A declaration of origin is the exporter stating where goods were produced, without a third party certifying it. Under many trade agreements this self-certification is all that is needed to claim preferential duty. That makes it faster and cheaper than a chamber-stamped certificate, provided the agreement actually permits it.
Self-certification, and when it is allowed
Newer trade agreements increasingly let exporters certify origin themselves rather than requiring a chamber of commerce. Some make it conditional on being a registered exporter, and some impose a value threshold above which registration is required. Whether you may self-certify depends on the specific agreement between the two countries. Check that before choosing this over a certificate.
Origin is about production, not shipping
Goods originate where they were produced or last substantially transformed, not where they were warehoused or shipped from. Goods made in Vietnam, stored in Singapore and shipped to Hamburg are Vietnamese in origin. Getting this wrong on a preferential claim is not a clerical matter. It is claiming duty relief you are not entitled to.
Keep the evidence
A declaration is a claim you may be asked to substantiate, often years later. Customs authorities audit preferential claims retrospectively, and the exporter is expected to hold bills of materials, supplier declarations and production records supporting the origin claimed. Where the claim fails on audit, the duty is recovered from the importer, who will come back to you.
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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
+What is the difference between a declaration of origin and a certificate of origin?
A declaration is made by the exporter alone. A certificate is issued and stamped by a third party, usually a chamber of commerce. Where the trade agreement allows self-certification, the declaration is sufficient and much quicker.
+Can I put the declaration on the invoice?
Often yes. Many agreements provide for an origin declaration printed directly on the commercial invoice, sometimes with prescribed wording. Where wording is prescribed, use it exactly, because the text is what customs checks.
+Does self-certification work everywhere?
No. It depends entirely on the agreement between the exporting and importing countries, and some still require a chamber-issued certificate. Check before relying on a declaration, since the goods will already have shipped when you find out.
+How long should I keep supporting records?
Retention periods vary by agreement and country, commonly several years. Keep bills of materials, supplier declarations and production records for at least as long as the applicable period, since an audit is the only time they will be asked for.
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