What is a Certificate of Origin?
A Certificate of Origin (CO) is a type of export document required by foreign governments to validate the country of origin of where the exported product was manufactured. The origin of imported goods is used to determine what duties will be assessed and whether the goods may be legally imported. This certificate authenticates these actions.
Origin refers to the country where the products were made, not from where they are being shipped. If a products was manufactured in two or more countries, origin is based on the country where more than 50% of the cost of producing the goods originates.
How Do I Apply for Certificate of Origin Online?
The Chamber uses the revolutionary platform Swiftdox to issue Certificates of Origin and other export docs. Simply create a brief profile, submit supporting documentation, and the innovative platform takes care of the rest. The user interface is intuitive and easy to use. Best of all, there are built-in legalization and apostille options.
Other export documents, including Certificates of Free Sale and Good Manufacturing Practices Certificates are also available.
Depending on shipment destinations, online certification may be obtained in both Spanish and English formats, saving the hassle of translating complex documents for export and customs purposes. Electronic certificates may be downloaded immediately, and issuance of paper-based documents occur in as little as one business day, slashing the time associated with traditional certificate practices.
Pricing
- Online: $25 Members, $50 Non-members* [supporting document stamping $10]
- Legalization & Apostille services will incur separate costs
- pricing is effective June 1, 2022
**Fee covers issuance of one original Certificate of Origin, including stamping of invoice and packing slip. Requests to stamp any additional original sets will incur an additional $10 fee per set for both members and non-members.
Who needs it?
Certificates of Origin are needed by exporters in order to ensure that all applicable international trade regulations are met before their goods may be transported between countries.
When is a certificate of origin required?
A certificate of origin is needed at the time the goods are exported from a country. Any trader who chooses to operate in foreign markets must comply with this requirement.
FAQs
Who determines whether a CO is required?
Either the customs authority of the importing country or a financial institution. The exporter and/or their freight forwarder or customs house broker will know if a CO isrequired when importing into a foreign country.
Who is authorized to sign a CO on behalf of the exporter?
Only the exporter and/or their duly authorized signatories.
Can one Certificate of Origin cover multiple products each with different origin?
Yes, a CO may have multiple items each with a different country of origin.
Can I get a Certificate of Origin Online?
In the past, this was not possible; documents were requested in person or via postal services. Today, the Certificate of Origin process has been streamlined with the launch of Swiftdox, an innovative online export document platform. Working with a network of chambers of commerce in the United States and beyond, Swiftdox gives exportation businesses powerful tools to submit and receive documents in electronic formats. The exporter submits the required paperwork, including commercial invoices and supporting materials, and the request for documentation is handled swiftly and accurately.
International Chamber of Commerce Certificate of Origin Accreditation
The Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to have been accepted into the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) World Chambers Federation (WCF) International Certificate of Origin Accreditation Chain. Accreditation demonstrates the Chamber’s Certificate of Origin (CO) documentation services provided through Swiftdox are verified by ICC WCF to meet the highest international standards and are issued according to the “gold standard” of globally accepted best practices.
The L.A. Area Chamber is the first West Coast Chamber and second United States chamber to be accepted into the program to date. See the Chamber’s press release here.
