CERTIFICATE OF ORIGIN
A Certificate of Origin is an official document that indicates the country where the goods being exported were produced, manufactured or processed. It provides information about the origin of the goods and is often required by customs authorities and other relevant parties in the importing country.
KEY POINTS ABOUT A CERTIFICATE OF ORIGIN
Certificates of origin are not preference documents and are simply used for customs clearance, no financial benefits are given when a cert of origin is issued. They are essentially the birth certificates for goods. Content: The Certificate of Origin typically includes information such as the exporter's and importer's names and addresses, a description of the goods, metric weight of the consignment and origin of the goods Types: There are two “types” of Certificate of Origin (the UK certificate of origin previously known as the European community certificate and the Arab certificate of origin); which certificate of origin to use is based on the requirements of the importing country. The goods do not have to be made in the UK to issue a UK certificate of origin. Issuance: The certificate is issued by the Chamber of Commerce and can be issued regardless of which country the goods are being exported from. A commercial invoice must be provided when applying for a certificate of origin so the Chamber can ensure that the information provided is accurate. A certificate of origin can be issued for goods that have been manufactured outside of the UK documentary evidence from manufacturer/supplier may also be requested in addition to the commercial invoice. Once issued a copy of the certificate of origin must be kept on file for a minimum of two years. Authentication: The Certificate of Origin can only be certified by a Chamber of Commerce, with a stamp or signature from the issuing Chamber. Validity: The certificates are issued on a per shipment basis once the goods have been cleared then the certificate of origin is no longer valid. Importance: Failing to provide a required Certificate of Origin or providing inaccurate information can result in delays at customs, additional charges, or even rejection of the goods. Digitalisation: With advancements in technology and international trade practices, all countries are moving toward digital Certificates of Origin to streamline the process and reduce paperwork. Exporters should work closely with the Chamber to ensure the correct Certificate of Origin is prepared and submitted in accordance with the regulations of the destination country.
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