What is a Certificate of Origin?
A Certificate of Origin (C.O.) is similar to a Certificate of Title issued by your local DMV. A vehicle manufacturer issues a C.O. to the original purchasing dealer. The dealer endorses it to the new vehicle owner who then submits it to their local DMV upon vehicle registration. Sometimes the dealer will handle this transaction. The local DMV then issues a Certificate of Title or some other ownership document to the new vehicle purchaser.
A Certificate of Origin is a document, required by foreign governments, declaring that goods in a particular international shipment are of a certain origin. Even though the commercial invoice usually includes a statement of origin, some countries require that a separate certificate be completed. Customs offices will use this document to determine whether a preferential duty rate applies on the products being imported. Certificates of origin are important because of trade agreements and regulations that might apply to goods coming from the United States. The data required for a certificate of origin is generally the same as for a commercial invoice. Basic information includes a description of the goods, gross and net weight of goods, number of packages, mode of transportation, date and origin of shipment, and an address for the seller and buyer. The certificate will also include a brief statement as to the origin of the goods. A few countries require specialized, unique certificates of
Related Questions
- I purchased a Zap Zebra three-wheel enclosed motorcycle (MC), and the Manufacturers Certificate of Origin (MCO) states it is an MC. Can I register it?
- Can I use a NAFTA certificate of origin to declare that my products qualify for preferential duty treatment under the U.S.-Chile FTA?
- Do I use a NAFTA Certificate of Origin on any and all shipments from the U.S. to Canada?
