Certificate of origin template

A certificate of origin is a signed statement of where the exported goods were made. Some importing countries ask for one even when the commercial invoice already shows origin. A general (non-preferential) certificate is usually certified by a semi-official body such as a local chamber of commerce.

This template is for a general, non-preferential certificate. Free trade agreements such as USMCA use their own certification rules, explained below.

What to include

• Exporter: name and address.
• Consignee: name, address and country.
• Transport details: mode, vessel or flight if known, ports.
• Invoice number and date, matching the commercial invoice.
• Goods: marks and numbers, number and kind of packages, description, quantity and weight.
• Country of origin for each line.
• Exporter's declaration, with the name, signature and date of the person signing.
• A blank area for the certifying chamber to stamp and sign.

Getting it certified

Requirements depend on the destination and on the chamber you use. Many U.S. chambers accept certificates electronically. Ask your buyer or forwarder whether the destination needs a certified certificate, and which chamber your forwarder normally uses.

General certificate vs USMCA certification

A USMCA certification of origin is a different thing. It supports a claim for preferential (reduced or zero) duty under the agreement. U.S. Customs and Border Protection says it does not need a prescribed form, but it must contain a set of minimum data elements, and the goods must actually qualify under USMCA origin rules. A general certificate of origin does not make goods eligible for USMCA treatment. Packlistly's certificate is the general kind and does not make a USMCA claim.

Common mistakes

• Origin that differs from the commercial invoice.
• Package count or weights that do not match the packing list.
• Using a general certificate when the buyer needs a free-trade-agreement certification, or the other way around.

From the same order

Packlistly builds the certificate of origin from the same order as your invoice and packing list, with origin shown line by line and the chamber area left blank. It does not certify the document or decide whether goods qualify for preferential treatment. The Free plan includes 5 shipments a month.

Official sources

• International Trade Administration, Common Export Documents: https://www.trade.gov/common-export-documents
• U.S. Customs and Border Protection, USMCA FAQs: https://www.cbp.gov/trade/priority-issues/trade-agreements/free-trade-agreements/USMCA/FAQs