Also called: COO, C/O
What it means
Origin is a legal concept: where the goods were wholly obtained or last substantially transformed, according to the applicable rules. The certificate is the form that customs or the buyer asked for. Some destinations want a chamber certificate; some want a specific preference form; some accept an origin statement on the invoice. The RFQ should say which.
Why origin is not the invoicing country
Duty, quotas and sometimes import bans turn on origin. A mill in one country and an invoice from another is a facts problem, not a typing problem. If origin cannot be documented, the destination may assess duty at the full rate or refuse the entry.
What it covers
The origin claim in the format issued. It should be reconcilable with the invoice, packing list and transport document: same parties, same goods description within tolerance, same shipment identity.
What it does not cover
Laboratory quality. Inspection of packing. Phytosanitary status. The HS code, though descriptions should not contradict classification. UBO identity.
Who issues it
Depending on the scheme: a chamber of commerce, a customs authority, or the exporter under a self-certification system. “We will provide origin” is not a document type. Name the form in the contract.
Common mistakes
Assuming a trading company’s country is the origin. Using a preferential form when the rules of origin are not met. Descriptions that do not match the invoice. Ordering legalisation too late for the sailing.
TTC uses these terms in its RFQ and transaction process. Nothing on this page is a licence, a certification, a guarantee of clearance, or a substitute for the documents and clauses of a specific contract.