Certificate of origin
Official document attesting the country of origin of goods, issued by a chamber of commerce or competent authority, used in international trade.
Definition and principle
The certificate of origin is an official document attesting the country of origin of exported goods. Unlike preferential origin proofs (EUR.1, origin declaration), the "standard" certificate of origin primarily concerns non-preferential origin and is required by certain importing countries as a condition for entry of goods.
Legal framework
The certificate of origin is governed internationally by Article V of the GATT and by the International Convention on the Simplification and Harmonisation of Customs Procedures (revised Kyoto Convention, Specific Annex K). At the European level, articles 57 to 59 of Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/2447 frame its issuance. In France, certificates of origin are issued by Chambers of Commerce and Industry (CCI) authorised by the DGDDI.
Types and uses
- Non-preferential certificate of origin: issued by CCIs, attests the manufacturing origin without any link to a trade agreement
- Specific certificates: certain countries require certificates conforming to their own formats (Gulf countries, Algeria, etc.) or requiring consular legalisation
- Preferential certificate of origin: term sometimes used to designate EUR.1s and other proofs of origin linked to free trade agreements
Common mistakes
- Confusing non-preferential certificate of origin with preferential proof of origin: they do not have the same purpose or legal effects
- Omitting the consular legalisation required by certain countries (sanctions: refusal of customs clearance at destination)
- Not anticipating issuance deadlines, especially for certificates requiring legalisation