Certificate of Origin (Customs Glossary)

🔖 This article is part of the Customs Glossary Guide

Certificate of Origin (CO)

A signed declaration proving the country where goods were manufactured, used to determine tariff rates and trade agreement eligibility.

Type: Trade Document Region: Global & North America (USMCA/CUSMA)

Overview

A standard Certificate of Origin used for non-preferential trade.

In cross-border trade, a Certificate of Origin (CO) is a critical document that serves as evidence of the "economic nationality" of goods. Issued by the exporter, producer, or a recognized chamber of commerce, the CO certifies where the goods were grown, produced, or manufactured.

Customs officials use this document to determine whether goods are subject to standard duties, anti-dumping duties, or if they are eligible for Preferential Tariff Treatment (duty-free status) under a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) like the **USMCA/CUSMA**.

USMCA Update: Unlike the old NAFTA form (CBP Form 434), the USMCA/CUSMA does not require a specific official form. Instead, it requires a "Certification of Origin" containing 9 minimum data elements, which can be placed on an invoice or any other document.

Types of Certificates

Certificates of Origin generally fall into two categories:

Type	Description
Non-Preferential CO	Used for "Most Favored Nation" (MFN) trade where no special treaty exists. It certifies origin for purposes of quotas, anti-dumping rules, or statistics. These are often certified by a Chamber of Commerce.
Preferential CO	Used to claim reduced or zero duties under a Free Trade Agreement (e.g., USMCA). It requires the exporter to prove the goods meet specific "Rules of Origin" (such as Regional Value Content).

USMCA / CUSMA Certification Requirements

For trade between Canada, the U.S., and Mexico, a claim for preferential treatment must be supported by a certification containing these 9 Minimum Data Elements:

• 1. Importer, Exporter, or Producer: Indicate who is making the certification.
• 2. Certifier: Name, title, address, phone, and email of the person certifying.
• 3. Exporter: Name and address (if different from the certifier).
• 4. Producer: Name and address (if different).
• 5. Importer: Name and address (if known).
• 6. Description & HS Code: Description of goods and their 6-digit Harmonized System classification.
• 7. Origin Criteria: The specific rule the good qualifies under (Criteria A, B, C, or D).
• 8. Blanket Period: If the certification covers multiple shipments (up to 12 months).
• 9. Authorized Signature: A statement certifying the data is true, signed and dated.

Common Usage Scenarios

• Duty-Free Claims (FTA): An exporter in Ontario ships auto parts to Michigan. They provide a USMCA Certification of Origin to the U.S. broker so the importer can pay 0% duty instead of the standard rate.
• Anti-Dumping Verification: A company imports steel. Customs requires a Non-Preferential CO to prove the steel is not from a country subject to anti-dumping duties (e.g., proving it is from Germany, not China).
• Government Procurement: A foreign supplier bids on a government contract that has "Buy American" or local preference clauses. They submit a CO to prove their goods meet the specific country content requirements.

Usage in BorderConnect

In BorderConnect, the Certificate of Origin is primarily handled as a supporting document for the Customs Broker.

Document Management

Users can upload the Certificate of Origin directly into the software to keep it linked with the eManifest:

• Upload: In the "Shipment Details" or "Trip Details" section, use the Documents tab to upload a PDF or image of the signed Certificate.
• Send to Broker: Once uploaded, you can use the "Send to Broker" feature to email or fax the CO along with the Invoice and Bill of Lading directly to the broker to ensure clearance is not delayed.

Document Retention

While the CO data is not transmitted electronically to CBP/CBSA via the manifest (it is filed by the broker with the Entry Summary), carriers and importers are required to retain these original documents for 5 years (USA) or 6 years (Canada) in case of a post-audit verification. Storing them digitally in BorderConnect helps meet record-keeping needs.

Official Resources

• CBP Template: USMCA Certification of Origin Template
• CBSA Guide: Certifying the Origin of Goods (CUSMA)
• Trade.gov: FTA Certificates of Origin Overview

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