What is a Certificate of Origin?

A Certificate of Origin (CO) is a document which states the origin of goods being exported. Virtually every country in the world considers the origin of imported goods when determining what duty will be assessed on the goods or, in some cases, whether the goods may be legally imported at all.

Who needs it?

Exporters. Certificates of Origin may be needed to comply with Letters of Credit, import Customs requirements or a buyer's request.

How does the Chamber know the information being provided by the exporter is accurate?

It can't. Chambers certify only that which they are able to verify. Certification guarantees the accuracy or truth of the information contained in the document and is expressed by using the word "certified." Certification may be given for the whole document or may be limited to the position and identity of the Signatory. If the Chamber is presented with a declaration attesting to commercial details, the accuracy of which it cannot check it must confine itself to stamping the document attesting to the position and the identity of the signatory. 

Can exporters or agents "self-stamp" certificates by acquiring and applying the Chamber seal

No. Chambers that provide their seal directly to exporters or their agents are exposing themselves to liability by providing their seal without examining the documents and going through the checklist. In some cases where Chambers have given their seal, there have been cases involving the fraudulent issue of certificates or the forging of certifications.

Can a Freight Forwarder stamp and sign?

No. The criteria for having a chamber of commerce certify Certificates of Origin is they have direct members who are exporters and should retain profile details of the exporters in their database. An issuing body should not be an organization that provides services to exporters such as freight forwarders, which could compromise their integrity and impartiality in the authentication of Certificates of Origin.

Can a chamber sign Declarations of Origin or invoices before the exporter?

No. Where it is necessary for a declaration of origin or any other declaration to be on the export invoice, applicants must present the invoice bearing the requisite exporter's declaration and any requirements of the particular country to which the goods are being consigned or as required to meet reasonable commercial needs. The declaration on the original and on each copy invoice must be signed.​

Who is authorized to sign on behalf of the Exporter?

Only the principals or their duly authorized signatories or agent. Principals include in the case of a sole trader, by the proprietor himself; in the case of a partnership, by a partner of the firm; in the case of a corporate body, by a director or the Secretary. Alternatively, declarations may be signed by an authorized agent of the principal.

Who determines whether a Certificate of Origin is required?

The responsibility to comply with the requirements of the importing company rests with the exporter — not the chamber. It is also the exporter's responsibility to obtain the Certificate of Origin, in accordance with the buyer's or country of import requirement.

Is there a need to have two Certificates of Origin that specify different criteria — e.g., one for U.S.-originated products and one for non-U.S.?

No. The Certificate of Origin can be one document for both, which means the declarations are generic for both the Chamber and the Exporter and where products are grouped by origin on the Certificate.

What is a "letter of waiver" in relation to Certificates of Origin?

The letter of waiver is, in fact, the Formal Undertaking, which removes the need for a notary or lawyer. The waiver means the exporter takes responsibility and holds the Chamber harmless without getting tangled up in legalism. It has nothing to do with opening the door for pre-approving certificates or providing a chamber stamp to an exporter or freight forwarder to self-stamp.

Does a Certificate need to be notarized?

No. Notarization is old hat and was replaced by Formal Undertaking, which means the Exporter's Authorized officer makes a declaration to the chamber, indemnifies, provides a list of the signatories and agrees to keep the Chamber updated of any changes.

What is a NAFTA Certificate?

The NAFTA Certificate of Origin only applies for goods exported to the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Exporters can authorize NAFTA certificates without needing a stamp from the Chamber.

Certificates of Origin Forms provided by the Mountain View Chamber of Commerce must be used for Certificates of Origin and must be accompanied by a manufacturer's invoice.