Certificates of Origin
A Certificate of Origin is an official document that verifies the country where a product was manufactured. It is required by customs authorities to determine import duties and ensure compliance with trade regulations.
The Delta Chamber of Commerce is authorized to certify Certificates of Origin for export.
A Certificate of Origin (COO) is an important international trade document attesting that goods in a particular export shipment are wholly obtained, produced, manufactured or processed in a particular country.
COOs also constitute a declaration by the exporter. Virtually every country in the world considers the origin of imported goods when determining what duty will be assessed on the goods or, in some cases, whether the goods may be legally imported at all.
To determine if a COO is required, contact the Trade Information Centre of the export destination.
To download a Certificate of Origin template, please CLICK HERE.
As of April 3, 2018, the Delta Chamber of Commerce, as a matter of policy and for reasons of liability, will now require all documents presented to us must be notarized before the Chamber certifies them. Freight Forwarders/Exporters that frequently use our service often find the notarization process costly and time consuming; an alternative to notarization of these documents is through a "Letter of Waiver."
To view and download a sample "Letter of Waiver" please click on the links below:
Freight Forwarder Letter of Waiver
These letters MUST BE TYPED and COMPLETED ON YOUR COMPANY'S LETTERHEAD and MUST BE SIGNED AND SEALED BY A NOTARY OR COMMISSIONER OF OATHS. Please only use the template provided as other letters will not be accepted. The letter will then be kept on file for a maximum of two years. If any of the signing authorities change a new letter must be brought in to the Chamber office before documents will be stamped.
If you are looking for a notary, please reach out to Delta Chamber member Sterling Notary Public at 604.946.0588.
Prices are to certify one set of COO documents of up to 10 pages. Additional pages are extra.
Certification takes place at the Delta Chamber of Commerce, 6201 60th Avenue, Delta, BC (see on map).
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- Certificates of origin from other countries;
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- Government inspection agency certificates;
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- NAFTA certificates of origin;
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- Any document with a boycott clause;
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- Scholastic degrees or diplomas; and
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- Personal documents, such as divorce, marriage or death certificates.
ATA is a French and English acronym of “Admission Temporaire/Temporary Admission.” Established by the World Customs Organization (WCO) in 1961 to facilitate world trade, the ATA Carnet is an internationally recognized customs document for the temporary importation of goods.
Accepted in over 80 countries, the Carnet permits the duty-free and tax-free importation of goods into foreign countries during its one-year validation period, simplifies customs procedures, reduces business costs and saves time and paperwork.
A Carnet covers virtually all goods, except for consumable or disposable items and goods for repair and/or processing.
Carnets are commonly used by sales people and manufacturers to bring their wares into foreign countries to show as commercial samples to potential customers or to display at trade fairs and exhibitions. Canadian entertainers, sports teams, the media and service companies also frequently use Carnets to travel with their professional equipment.
As the Canadian national guaranteeing organization, we have been issuing Carnets since 1972.
What is a Certificate of Origin?
A Certificate of Origin (COO) is an international trade document that certifies the country where goods were manufactured, produced, or substantially transformed. It is often required by customs authorities, importers, or financial institutions when goods are shipped internationally.
Why do I need a Certificate of Origin?
A Certificate of Origin may be required to:
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Clear customs in the destination country
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Qualify for reduced tariffs or duty benefits under trade agreements
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Meet importer requirements
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Satisfy banking requirements for letters of credit
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Verify the origin of goods for regulatory purposes
Who issues Certificates of Origin?
Certificates of Origin are typically issued by Chambers of Commerce and validated based on information provided by the exporter.
What information is required on a Certificate of Origin?
Most Certificates of Origin require:
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Exporter name and address
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Consignee (receiver) information
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Description of goods
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Quantity and value of goods
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Country of origin
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Shipping details (if available)
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Authorized signature from the exporter
How do I determine the country of origin of my products?
The country of origin is generally where the product was manufactured, produced, grown, or substantially transformed. Simply packaging or distributing a product in another country does not usually change its origin.
If you are unsure, consult your supplier, customs broker, or trade advisor before submitting your application.
Is a Certificate of Origin the same as a customs declaration?
No. A Certificate of Origin only verifies where the goods originated. Customs declarations contain additional information about the shipment and are filed separately.
Can I obtain a Certificate of Origin for goods that were imported into Canada and then resold?
Possibly. The country of origin remains the country where the goods were originally manufactured or substantially transformed. Supporting documentation may be required to verify origin.
How long does it take to receive a Certificate of Origin?
Processing times vary by Chamber. Many Chambers can process certificates within one business day, provided all required information and supporting documents are submitted correctly.
What supporting documents may be required?
Examples include:
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Commercial invoices
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Manufacturer's declarations
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Supplier declarations
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Packing lists
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Bills of lading
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Previous Certificates of Origin
Additional documentation may be requested if origin cannot be verified.
Can I make changes after a Certificate of Origin has been issued?
Corrections may be possible before the shipment is finalized. Contact the Chamber as soon as possible if changes are needed. Additional fees may apply for reissued certificates.
Do all countries require a Certificate of Origin?
No. Requirements vary by country, product type, and importer. It is the exporter's responsibility to confirm documentation requirements with the importer, customs broker, or destination country's customs authority.
Is a Certificate of Origin required under free trade agreements?
In some cases, a separate certification of origin may be required to claim preferential tariff treatment under a free trade agreement. Requirements vary depending on the agreement and destination country.
Can electronic Certificates of Origin be used?
Many countries and customs authorities now accept electronic Certificates of Origin (eCOs). Acceptance depends on the importing country's requirements.
What happens if incorrect information is provided?
Providing false or inaccurate information can result in shipment delays, customs penalties, additional duties, or rejection of the shipment. Exporters are responsible for ensuring all information submitted is accurate.
Can a Chamber of Commerce determine the origin of my products for me?
No. The exporter is responsible for determining and declaring the correct country of origin. The Chamber validates the information provided but does not determine origin on behalf of the exporter.
Who should I contact if I have questions about exporting requirements?
For questions about documentation requirements, contact:
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Customs broker
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Freight forwarder
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Trade commissioner or export advisor
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Destination country's customs authority