Certificate of Origin
What is a certificate of origin?
A certificate of origin is a trade document that states where goods were produced, manufactured or substantially transformed.
It is used by customs authorities, buyers and other parties to verify the origin of goods in an international shipment. The country of origin is not always the same as the country from which goods are shipped.
Why does a certificate of origin matter?
A certificate of origin can affect whether goods qualify for preferential tariff treatment under a trade agreement. It may also be required for customs clearance, import restrictions, sanctions checks or buyer compliance requirements.
Incorrect origin information can create customs delays, duty errors and compliance problems.
What information is usually included?
A certificate of origin usually includes:
exporter details
importer details
goods description
country of origin
shipment details
invoice reference
quantity or weight
certification statement
authorised stamp or signature, where required
Common mistakes
Common mistakes include:
assuming origin means country of shipment
using vague product descriptions
failing to support preferential origin claims
mismatching invoice and origin data
using the wrong certificate format
How iTradeDigital helps
iTradeDigital helps buyers and sellers identify when origin documentation may be required and keeps certificate of origin data aligned with invoices, packing lists and shipment records.
Related terms
Commercial invoice
Customs declaration
HS code
Rules of origin
Import duty
FAQs
Is country of origin the same as country of shipment?
No. Goods may be shipped from one country but originate in another.
Who issues a certificate of origin?
It may be issued by the exporter and certified by a chamber of commerce or other authorised body, depending on the transaction.
Why do buyers ask for a certificate of origin?
Buyers may need it for customs clearance, tariff treatment, compliance checks or internal procurement requirements.