A short explanation and sample of a "Certificate of Origin". This information is part of the U.S. Commercial Service's "A Basic Guide to Exporting".

Required by some countries. A signed statement as to the origin of the export item. Certificates of origin are usually validated by a semiofficial organization, such as a local chamber of commerce. A certificate may be required even if the commercial invoice contains the same information.

Certificate of Origin

Certificatie of Origin Insructions

Specific certificates of origin are sometimes required for countries involved in special tradebagreements, such as the North American Free Trade agreement (NAFTA), which was signed by Canada, Mexico, and the United States. For example, a NAFTA certificate of origin validates that a good originated in a NAFTA country and is eligible for the preferential duty rate.