What is the NAFTA Certificate of Origin?
The NAFTA Certificate of Origin, also known as Customs Form 434, is required of all exporters to Canada or Mexico in order to claim preferential tariff treatment under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). The document, which is presented to customs, helps the buyers avoid paying tariffs (duties) or pay the lowest tariff available under the agreement. The NAFTA Certificate of Origin may be completed in English, French or Spanish. At the exporter’s discretion it should be completed in the language of the origin or destination country. Importers shall submit a translation of the certificate to their own customs administration when requested. An understanding of and competency in the harmonized system and the NAFTA Rules of Origin are imperative for an exporter to legally and correctly prepare the documents. Exporters can prepare a blanket certificate, as long as the products that are being exported in a 12-month period are listed. The Certificate of Origin must be signed and c
