A certificate of origin is a document that certifies the country where the goods originated. A certificate of origin may be required by the customs authority of the country where the goods are being imported. It’s also frequently used to determine how much duty the importer will pay to bring in the goods.
Generic Certificate of Origin
Most countries accept a generic certificate of origin form that includes information about the exporter and importer, the description and harmonized tariff code of the goods, and the country of origin. These certificates are usually prepared by the exporter and certified by the local chamber of commerce.
The importer is heavily dependent upon the assistance and cooperation of its U.S. suppliers in producing accurate and well-documented declarations of origin.
Electronic Certificate of Origin
Previously, companies were required to download a certificate of origin form, manually enter the information, print the form, sign it, deliver it or courier it to a chamber of commerce office, wait to get it reviewed and signed by the appropriate chamber employee, return it or courier it back to the company office, and courier the signed and certified documents to the importer.
Today, companies can enter their shipment information online, transmit it to a chamber, and get a certified certificate of origin in less than a day and at a fraction of the cost. Online certification saves on couriers, travel time, postage, and parking fees.
Free Trade Agreement Certificates of Origin
Free trade agreements (FTA) between the United States and other countries utilize a certificate of origin to document that the goods listed on the form qualify for special tariff treatment under the terms of the free trade agreement.
The U.S. currently has 14 FTAs in force with 20 countries:
- U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) Certificate of Origin
- U.S.-Australia Certificate of Origin
- U.S.-CAFTA-DR Certificate of Origin
- U.S.-Chile Certificate of Origin
- U.S.-Colombia Certificate of Origin
- U.S.-Korea Certificate of Origin
- U.S.-Panama Certificate of Origin
- U.S.-Peru Certificate of Origin
- NAFTA Certificate of Origin (expired)