Shipping Documents
Certificate of Origin — what it is & how to obtain one
The document that certifies where goods were manufactured — used to claim preferential duty and meet import requirements. Here's what a certificate of origin is and how to get one.
A certificate of origin (COO) certifies the country in which goods were manufactured. Importers use it to claim preferential (reduced) duty under trade agreements and to satisfy import regulations. In India it is issued by authorised chambers and agencies.
Overview
What is a certificate of origin?
There are two kinds of certificate of origin. A non-preferential COO simply states where goods were made. A preferential COO (such as under a Free Trade Agreement) lets the importer claim reduced or zero duty. The document must align with the commercial invoice and the rules of origin in the relevant trade agreement.
Contents
What a certificate of origin contains
Exporter and consignee details
Country of origin of the goods
Description of goods and HS code
Invoice number and date
Means of transport and route
Criteria / trade agreement under which origin is claimed
Issuing authority stamp and signature
How to prepare
Preparing a certificate of origin, step by step
Determine the origin
Establish the country of origin under the relevant rules of origin (especially for preferential claims).
Choose preferential or not
Decide whether a non-preferential or preferential (FTA) certificate is needed for the destination.
Prepare supporting documents
Gather the commercial invoice, packing list, and manufacturing evidence the issuer requires.
Apply to the issuing authority
Apply to an authorised chamber of commerce or agency (in India, often via the DGFT/CommonDigitalPlatform).
Receive and send
Receive the certified COO and forward it with the shipping documents to the importer.
FAQ
Certificate of Origin — common questions
What is a certificate of origin?
A certificate of origin certifies the country where goods were manufactured. Importers use it to claim preferential duty under trade agreements and to meet destination import requirements.
What is the difference between preferential and non-preferential COO?
A non-preferential COO simply states the country of origin. A preferential COO, issued under a trade agreement (FTA), lets the importer claim reduced or zero customs duty.
Who issues the certificate of origin in India?
Authorised chambers of commerce and government-designated agencies issue certificates of origin in India. Preferential certificates are issued under specific trade agreements via designated authorities.
Is a certificate of origin always required?
Not always — it depends on the destination country and whether the importer is claiming preferential duty. Many shipments require it; your forwarder can confirm based on the destination and goods.
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