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Certificate of Origin Template and Sample

Fill in a general certificate of origin with exporter, consignee, transport details, goods with HS codes and the exporter's declaration, then download it as PDF, Word or Excel.

Parties

Details

Goods

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Notes and signature

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What is a certificate of origin?

A certificate of origin (CO) is a document that states the country in which the exported goods were produced. Customs at the destination use it to apply the right duty rate, quotas and trade rules; some buyers and banks require it under the contract or letter of credit.

Non preferential vs preferential certificates

Non preferential (general) COPreferential origin proof
PurposeStates the origin of the goodsClaims lower duty under a trade agreement
Who certifiesUsually a chamber of commerceDepends on the agreement: an authority, or the exporter's own statement
FormGeneral format, like this templateAgreement specific, such as EUR.1, Form A, or an origin statement on the invoice

This template is the general, non preferential format. Under the USMCA, for example, there is no prescribed form: the certification of origin can be made on any document that contains the minimum data elements the agreement lists, so check those elements before you rely on a general template.

How to fill in a certificate of origin

  1. Exporter and consignee: names and full addresses, as on the commercial invoice.
  2. Certificate number and date. If a chamber issues it, it may give its own number.
  3. Country of origin and destination.
  4. Transport details: means of transport and route, vessel or flight.
  5. Invoice number and date, so the certificate can be matched to the commercial invoice.
  6. Goods: marks and numbers, number and kind of packages, a description, the HS code and the quantity or weight.
  7. Declaration and signature of the exporter; leave the certification box for the chamber's stamp.

Download the finished document as a PDF, as an editable Word file, or as an Excel sheet of the lines and totals, or print it. Your draft is saved in this browser only, so you can come back to it; nothing is uploaded to our servers.

Certificate of origin sample

The form opens with a sample for cotton T shirts and denim jeans made in Pakistan and shipped to Sweden, with HS codes 6109.10 and 6203.42, package counts and weights, and the exporter's declaration. Replace it with your own data, or click Clear for a blank certificate.

Getting it certified

  • Most chambers of commerce certify general certificates, often online, and charge a fee. They usually ask for a copy of the commercial invoice.
  • Some countries, and many letters of credit, require the certificate on the chamber's own official form. Ask before you print.
  • The description, packages and weights must match the invoice, packing list and bill of lading.

Features

  • Standard layout used by chambers of commerce
  • Exporter, consignee, transport and invoice details
  • Goods with marks, packages, HS codes and quantity
  • Exporter declaration and a box for certification
  • PDF, Word (.docx), Excel and print
  • Starts from your commercial invoice in one click

Frequently asked questions

What is a certificate of origin?

A document stating the country in which exported goods were produced. Customs use it to apply duty rates and trade rules.

Who issues a certificate of origin?

The exporter fills it in and signs the declaration. For a general certificate, a chamber of commerce usually certifies it; preferential origin proofs follow the rules of each trade agreement.

Is there a USMCA certificate of origin form?

The USMCA has no mandatory form. A certification of origin can be made on any document that includes the minimum data elements set out in the agreement.

Can I use this template for preferential duty?

Only if the trade agreement accepts a general format with the required data. Many agreements need their own form, such as EUR.1, or an origin statement worded exactly as the agreement says.

Can I download a blank certificate of origin?

Yes. Click Clear to empty the sample, then print the blank form or download it as PDF or Word.

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