What is a certificate of origin?

When a shipment crosses a border, customs needs to know where the goods come from. The certificate of origin is the paper that says so.

Why it matters

The country of origin can affect the duty a buyer pays, whether the goods may be imported at all and which trade rules apply. A buyer may also need the certificate to meet the terms of a letter of credit, or to show where a product was made.

This is a general explanation, not customs advice. Rules differ by country and product, so check with the buyer, your freight forwarder or the customs authority.

What it usually contains

• The exporter and the consignee (the buyer)
• A description of the goods, often with the HS code
• The quantity or weight
• The country of origin
• Transport details, where required
• A reference to the invoice
• The issuing body's stamp or signature

Types of certificate of origin

• Non-preferential: states the origin without giving any special duty rate. It is used when the buyer, its customs or a letter of credit asks for proof of where the goods were made.
• Preferential: used when goods qualify for reduced or zero duty under a trade agreement. The goods must meet that agreement's rules of origin, and the form of the proof depends on the agreement.

Who issues it

A non-preferential certificate is often issued or certified by a chamber of commerce, or another body the exporting country names. The exporter applies with supporting documents, such as the commercial invoice, and usually pays a fee. For preferential origin, the trade agreement decides: in some cases customs or another authority issues the proof, and in some cases the exporter can make a declaration of origin itself. Ask which one the buyer's country accepts.

An example from product sales

Say a plastics manufacturer ships a container of resin to a distributor overseas. The buyer's import broker asks for a certificate of origin to clear the goods. The manufacturer applies to its chamber of commerce with the commercial invoice and packing list, receives the certificate, and sends it with the shipping documents. Without it, the container could wait at the port while the paperwork is sorted.

How it fits with other export documents

It travels with the commercial invoice, the packing list and the bill of lading. Our export order checklist shows where each document fits.

How PromptLab handles it

The certificate comes from the chamber or authority that issues it. PromptLab keeps it with the rest of the order: the certificate, the invoice and the packing list can sit in the Files tab on the account, the sales order records what was agreed, and a task can remind the team to request the certificate before the shipment.

Frequently asked questions

What is the purpose of a certificate of origin?

It tells customs and the buyer in which country the goods were made. It can affect duties, import permission and trade rules, and some letters of credit require it.

Who issues a certificate of origin?

Usually a chamber of commerce or another body authorised by the exporting country. In some cases the exporter can make a declaration itself. Check what the buyer's country accepts.

Is a certificate of origin the same as a commercial invoice?

No. The commercial invoice states the sale and its price. The certificate of origin states where the goods were made. They are often needed together.

How long does it take to get one?

It depends on the issuing body and how you apply. Allow time before the goods ship, and ask your issuing body for its usual turnaround.

Do I need a certificate of origin for every shipment?

Not always. It depends on the destination country, the product and the buyer's terms. Ask the buyer or the freight forwarder before you ship.