What is a certificate of origin?

A Certificate of Origin (CO) is a document that provides information about the country of origin of a good involved in international trade. This document confirms the non-preferential origin of the good and specifies which country a product or its raw materials originate from.

A certificate of origin is required when the laws of the importing country require it or when the country of origin of the goods needs to be disclosed for economic, environmental or political reasons. Below, we will review everything you need to know about a certificate of origin in the context of international transport.

Table of Contents

What is a certificate of origin?

A certificate of origin is an official customs document that certifies the country of origin of a product. It specifies the non-preferential origin of the product, meaning that the product is not eligible for any special treatment under specific trade agreements.

In most countries, chambers of commerce are responsible for issuing this document. Applicants usually need to have a business or residential address within the jurisdiction of the relevant chamber of commerce. The requirement to provide a certificate of origin depends on the regulations of the destination country.

Important: Be sure to clarify with your trading partner that you are both referring to the same type of “certificate of origin.” There is a difference between a preferential certificate of origin (which provides benefits under trade agreements) and a non-preferential certificate of origin.

گواهی مبدأ

Comparing the Certificate of Origin with other key shipping documents

In the international shipping process, it is very important to understand the role and application of various documents. Below, the Certificate of Origin is compared to other key shipping documents:

  • Commercial Invoice:
    A commercial invoice is a detailed statement provided by a seller to a buyer, detailing the products sold, quantities, prices, and total amount payable. It is one of the primary documents for customs clearance, showing the value of the goods and the terms of sale. Unlike a certificate of origin, which verifies the country of origin of the goods, a commercial invoice focuses more on the financial transaction and details of the products.
  • Packing List: A packing list is a comprehensive list of the goods in a shipment, providing information about their quantity, description, and packaging specifications. This document helps verify the contents of the shipment against the purchase order or commercial invoice. While a certificate of origin verifies where the goods were manufactured, a packing list ensures that the correct items are being shipped and received.
  • Bill of Lading: A bill of lading is an important shipping document that serves as a contract between the shipper and the carrier, confirming receipt of goods for shipment. It also serves as a document of title and can be used to transfer ownership of goods during shipment. Unlike a certificate of origin, which specifies the country of origin of the goods, a bill of lading explains the terms and conditions of transportation.
  • CN22 and CN23 Forms: The CN22 and CN23 forms are used to declare goods when shipping goods abroad. The CN22 form is usually used for packages with a value below a certain threshold, while the CN23 form is used for shipments with a higher value. These forms provide detailed information about the contents of the package, including descriptions, quantities, and value of the goods, to ensure proper customs processing. Unlike the Certificate of Origin, which verifies the country of origin of the goods, the CN22 and CN23 forms focus more on facilitating the customs clearance process by providing detailed information about the shipment.

Why is a certificate of origin required?

Customs regulations distinguish between two types of origin: non-preferential and preferential.

  • Non-preferential origin: This means that the goods are not eligible for special trade benefits in their country of origin. This concept refers to the commercial origin of the goods and is proven through a non-preferential certificate of origin.
  • Preferential origin: applies when goods are subject to a bilateral or multilateral trade agreement that usually results in the reduction or elimination of customs duties. Preferential origin is proven through different documents such as the EUR.1 movement certificate.

Non-preferential certificate of origin vs. preferential certificate of origin

Clean energy or green energy refers to sources that leave little pollution and environmental impact in their production process. Examples of this type of energy include:

Certificate of Origin Requirements in Different Countries

Each country may have different requirements for proof of origin, including:

  • EUR.1 or EUR-MED: For shipments sent from the European Union to countries with a trade agreement with the European Union.
  • NAFTA Certificate of Origin: For shipments moving between Canada, the United States, and Mexico.
  • CAFTA-DR Certificate of Origin: For shipments shipped between the United States, Central America, and the Dominican Republic.
  • CO (Certificate of Origin): For shipments moving between countries in the Middle East, Africa, and parts of Asia such as China, India, Malaysia, and Singapore.

How and where can I apply for a certificate of origin?

Certificate of Origin applications are usually submitted to the local Chamber of Commerce, and in some countries it is also possible to file the application online.

The application process involves a set of documents, including the original certificate of origin, the application form, and related copies. In this application, information such as the company name, recipient, country of origin, and product specifications must be provided.

گواهی مبدأ

Costs and tariffs for obtaining a certificate of origin

Obtaining a Certificate of Origin involves various costs that will vary depending on the country and issuing authority. Below is an overview of these costs:

  • Issuance fee: Chambers of commerce usually charge a fee for issuing a certificate, which varies depending on the country and the complexity of the request.
  • Request processing fee: In some cases, additional processing fees apply, especially for urgent requests.
  • Verification and Certification Fees: Additional fees may be charged for verification or certification by consulates or trade organizations.
  • Document preparation fees: Some service providers or international shipping companies may charge a fee for preparing and sending documents.
  • Additional fees for international trade: In some cases, legalization or certificate verification fees also apply to international shipments.

The cost of obtaining a certificate of origin varies depending on the country and the local Chamber of Commerce. In general, these costs range from 30 to 150 euros. For accurate and up-to-date tariffs, it is recommended to contact your local Chamber of Commerce directly.

A certificate of origin plays an important role in customs procedures, helping to comply with import regulations and facilitate international trade. Although not required in all countries, it is essential for some regions, particularly the Middle East and Eastern Europe.

Frequently Asked Questions

You may need to provide a Certificate of Origin due to the regulations of the importing country or customer requests. Some countries require this certificate only for certain categories of products, while others require it for all goods. It is important to issue a Certificate of Origin in a timely manner, especially when the goods are ready for shipment.

To check if a specific country requires a certificate of origin, you can use resources like Access2Markets. By entering the country of origin and destination along with the HS code (customs tariff number), you can get the information you need about the required export documentation.

Also, it is always recommended to coordinate with your client to ensure the required documents are in place.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

ثبت درخواست فروش روغن سوخته خوراکی

لطفا فرم زیر را به دقت پر کنید تا مشاورین ما در اسرع وقت با شما تماس حاصل فرمایند.

اطلاعات فروشنده

Registration of application for sale of used cooking oil (UCO)

Please fill out the form below carefully so that our consultants will contact you as soon as possible.