Certificate of Origin Guide

A certificate of origin (C/O) states which country goods were produced or manufactured in. Which type you need depends on whether you are claiming a lower tariff under a trade agreement.

Preferential certificate of origin

Used to claim a reduced or zero import duty under a free trade agreement (FTA) or preference scheme (for example GSP). The goods must meet that specific agreement's origin criteria — wholly obtained in the exporting country, or sufficiently processed there (often measured by a change in HS classification or a minimum local value-added percentage). Each agreement has its own form, such as Form A (GSP), EUR.1 (EU agreements), or a self-declaration under agreements like USMCA, CPTPP or RCEP.

Non-preferential (ordinary) certificate of origin

States the country of origin without claiming any tariff preference. It is commonly required by the importing country's customs, by a letter of credit, or by the buyer's contract, and is usually issued by a chamber of commerce based on the exporter's supporting documents. It carries no duty benefit on its own.

Who issues a certificate of origin

Chamber of commerce — the most common issuer for a non-preferential C/O, and for preferential C/Os in some countries.
Customs authority or a government trade agency — issues many preferential C/Os, especially Form A under GSP schemes.
The exporter or producer themselves — several modern FTAs (USMCA, CPTPP, RCEP in some member states) allow a self-issued declaration of origin instead of a stamped certificate.

How to apply

Confirm which agreement or scheme applies and which origin criteria and form it requires before shipping.
Gather the supporting documents: commercial invoice, packing list, and proof of origin such as a bill of materials, manufacturing declaration or supplier declarations for any imported inputs.
Complete the correct form with the exact goods description and HS code matching the invoice, then submit it to the chamber of commerce, customs authority or online portal that issues it.
Keep the signed original and copies — banks under a letter of credit and the buyer's customs will usually need to see the original or a certified copy.

Common mistakes

Applying for the wrong form or scheme for the destination country's specific FTA.
Goods description or HS code on the C/O not matching the invoice exactly.
Applying after the goods have already shipped, which some issuers or importing customs will not accept retroactively.
Assuming origin means where the goods were shipped from, rather than where they were produced or substantially transformed.

Common questions

Does a certificate of origin have to be issued before shipment?

Many issuers and some FTAs require it before or at shipment; a few schemes allow a retroactive certificate within a set window (often 6–12 months), but this varies by country and agreement, so check with the issuing body first.

Can one certificate of origin cover several different products?

Usually yes, as long as each item is listed with its own description and HS code and all items genuinely qualify under the same origin rule; check the specific form's instructions.

Is a certificate of origin the same as a certificate of free sale?

No. A certificate of origin states where goods were made; a certificate of free sale confirms a product is legally sold in the country of export, which is a different document sometimes required for cosmetics, food or medical goods.

More free tools

Triplicate is free and keeps getting better. Found it useful? Support Triplicate ♥