The certificate of origin is a crucial document in international trade. It ensures fairness and transparency in trade and can be used for tariff reductions and exemptions, trade statistics, addressing non-tariff barriers, and consumer protection. Exporters must understand and comply with the relevant regulations to guarantee the authenticity and accuracy of the certificate of origin and avoid legal disputes and commercial losses.

What is a certificate of origin?
A certificate of origin is a document that certifies the origin or place of manufacture of goods. A specific organization in the exporting country usually issues it. It certifies the country of origin of exported goods and is the main basis for determining tariff treatment, trade statistics, and quantitative restrictions in international trade.
The role and importance of the certificate of origin
- Customs treatment: The certificate of origin is essential for determining customs treatment in the importing country. The importing country levies customs duties according to the origin of the goods, and goods of different origins may enjoy different customs preferences
- Trade statistics: Trade statistics are used in the importing country to help the government understand the source and quantity of imported goods and formulate corresponding trade policies.
- Quantity restrictions and controls: The certificate of origin is also an essential tool for importing countries to implement quantity restrictions and control the import of goods from specific countries.
Types of certificates of origin
Certificates of origin can be divided into the following categories:
General Certificate of Origin: certifies the general origin of goods.
Generalized System of Preferences Certificate of Origin: a certificate of origin for specific preferential tariff treatment.
Regional Preferential Certificate of Origin: such as the RCEP Certificate of Origin, which applies to trade preferences within a particular region.
Example of Chinese certificate of origin

0. Certificate No.
The certificate is invalid if the column is blank.
1. Exporter
It is the benefitiary. The exporter’s address is asked to be made out in details including street, doorplate number; city and country.
2. Consignee
It is usually the buyer or the notify party of the B/L. If it is required to be in blank, “To whom It May Concern” or “To order” is marked here.
3. Means of transport and route
The port of destination and shipment, terms of shipment are to be made out. If transshipment is allowed, the place of transhipment is marked. Example:
FROM QINGDAO TO ROTTERDAM VIA HONG KONG BY VESSEL.
4. Country / region of destination
It refers to the country or region at which the goods arrive, the middle businessman is not mentioned.
5. For certifying authority use only
It is usually kept in blank. The content is made out by the issuing organization according to the concrete condition.
6. Marks and numbers
To be made out according to the invoice, the phrases “as per invoice No.xxx” or “As per B/L No.xxx” are not allowed. “N/M” is filled in in while there is no mark.
7. Number and kind of packages; description of goods
Example: ONE HUNDRED (150) CARTONS OF GROCERY BAG, and end of “********”
8. H.S. Code
The part should be kept in conformity with customs declaration.
Related:What is HS Code? HS Code Comprehensive Guide?
9. Quantity
The quantity and measurement are required to be printed.
10. Number and date of invoice
Make out according to the invoice.
11. Declaration by the exporter
The issuing place and date are printed here with the exporter’s stamp and signature. The date is not later than the date of B/L and not earlier than the date of invoice.
12. Certification
The issuing place and date are to be made out. The issuer should sign manually with seal.
Thank you very much for reading our content about Certificates of Origin! In this article, we have shared what a Certificate of Origin is, including its definition, uses, importance, and role in international trade. We have also listed and explained the key points to note when using a Certificate of Origin, such as the application process, required documents, validity period, authenticity of the certificate, and the laws and regulations that may be involved. This information will help you succeed in the international market. For more information, please contact us.
FAQ
If a company lacks import and export rights or fails to file in time, it can entrust another company to issue the certificate of origin on its behalf. In this case, the certificate of origin will bear the letterhead of the company that issued the certificate and the letterhead of the commissioned company.
The validity period of a CEPA certificate of origin is different from that of other agreements. Under other contracts, the validity period is one year, while that of a CEPA certificate of origin is 120 days from the issue date.
- To prove the origin of the goods
- As valid proof for trading partners to hand over the goods and settle the payment
- As a basis for customs clearance and tariff collection in the importing country
- To implement differential tariff treatment and country-specific trade policies To ensure the smooth passage of goods
- Commodity inspection agencies: For example, the Inspection and Quarantine Bureau of the People’s Republic of China can issue a variety of certificates, including General Certificate of Origin (GCO) and Certificate of Origin (CO) in the form of Certificate of Origin (CO) A.
- Chamber of Commerce: The China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) can issue a GCO, also known as the CCPIT Certificate of Origin.