Certificate of Origin (CO)

What Is a Certificate of Origin (CO)

The Certificate of Origin (CO) validates the country of origin of exported goods. It is frequently necessary for customs authorities in the importing country to verify that the imported items qualify for specific trade agreements or to determine tariffs.

The CO is often issued by a chamber of commerce or other recognised entity, and the exporter must complete and sign it.

The form and substance of the CO may vary based on the exporting country and the kind of commodities.

How Do Certificate of Origin (CO) Work

Typically, a Certificate of Origin (CO) is used to attest that the exported goods are genuinely of domestic origin and hence qualified for the advantages of specific trade agreements or tariffs.

At the time of importation, the CO is typically required by the customs officials of the importing country and must be presented alongside other shipping documentation.

Typically, the exporter completes and signs the CO, but a chamber of commerce or other recognised institution may also certify it.

Obtaining a CO normally entails the exporter filling out the essential information on the CO form, including the description of the goods, the country of origin, and the exporter’s name and address.

The exporter may next submit the form for certification to a chamber of commerce or other authorised entity.

At the time of importation, the CO is provided to the customs officials once it has been certified.

It is crucial to note that CO is not always required by all nations; some countries may not require it or accept alternate documents in their place.

In addition, it is essential to understand that the CO is not a commercial document; rather, it is a document that confirms the origin of the items and does not serve as proof of ownership or any other contractual arrangement between the parties.

Frequently Asked Questions About Certificate of Origin (CO)

What is the purpose of a Certificate of Origin (CO)?

The purpose of a CO is to certify that the goods being exported are true of domestic origin and therefore eligible for the benefits of certain trade agreements or tariffs.

Who issues a Certificate of Origin (CO)?

COs are typically issued by a chamber of commerce or other authorized organisation and must be completed and signed by the exporter.

Is a CO required for all types of goods?

The requirement for a CO may vary depending on the country and the type of goods being exported. Some countries may have alternative documents that can be used instead of CO, and some countries do not require it at all.

How does an exporter obtain a CO?

The process of obtaining a CO typically involves the exporter filling out the necessary information on the CO form and submitting it to the chamber of commerce or other authorised organization for certification.

Can a CO be used as a commercial document?

No, CO is not a commercial document. It is a document that certifies the origin of the goods and it’s not evidence of ownership or of any other contractual agreement between the parties.

Is a CO required for all countries?

No, not all countries require a CO. It’s important to check with the customs authorities of the importing country to see if a CO is required or if there is an alternative document that can be used instead.