A certificate of origin (CO) is a document declaring in which country a commodity or good was manufactured. The certificate of origin contains information regarding the product, its destination, and the country of export. Required by many treaty agreements for cross-border trade, the CO is an important form because it can help determine whether certain goods are eligible for import, or whether goods are subject to duties.
Customs officials expect the CO to be a separate document from the commercial invoice or packing list. Customs in these countries also expect it to be signed by the exporter, the signature notarized, and the document subsequently signed and stamped by a chamber of commerce. In some cases, the destination customs authority may request proof of review from a specific chamber of commerce.
A certificate of origin may also be required by the buyer in the documentary requirements stated within a letter of credit. The letter of credit may specify additional certifications or language within that must be noted in order for the certificate of origin to comply with the stated requirements




Obtaining a Paper Certificate of Origin

1.   Complete and notarize an appropriate affidavit.
2.   Provide either a manufacture invoice or commercial invoice that shows where your goods are manufactured.
3.   Fill out the certificate of origin document.
4.   Submit notarized affidavit, certificate of origin document, and corresponding invoices to your chamber of commerce.
5.   Indicate which documents you would like to be stamped.
There is usually a fee for stamping certificates of origin—however, if you’re a member, that fee may be reduced. This is an incentive of becoming a member.