Certificate of Origin (COO)
A Certificate of Origin (COO) is an official document that confirms the country where goods were manufactured or produced. It is issued by an authorized body, such as a chamber of commerce, and accompanies the shipment as proof of origin. Customs authorities rely on this document to verify where the goods come from. This helps them apply the correct duty rates and trade regulations.
The COO is especially important when goods qualify for preferential duty rates under trade agreements. If a product comes from a partner country, customs may reduce or waive duties, provided the COO is submitted. Without it, importers may have to pay higher tariffs. The document also helps prevent fraud or misdeclaration. It ensures that the trade route and origin details are fully transparent.
Shippers must ensure the COO accurately describes the goods, including product details, exporter information, and production country. Any mistakes can delay clearance or invalidate preferential treatment. Customs may request supporting documents to verify accuracy. Proper preparation keeps the process smooth and reduces the risk of disputes at the border.
Overall, the Certificate of Origin plays a key role in global trade by ensuring compliance, transparency, and fair duty assessment. It protects importers from unexpected charges. It helps exporters prove their products’ legitimacy. And it supports faster, more efficient customs clearance for international shipments.
Frequently Asked Questions about Certificate of Origin (COO)
Clear answers to the most common questions people have when learning about Certificate of Origin (COO).
Customs uses the COO to verify where goods were produced so they can apply the correct duty rate and check if the shipment qualifies for preferential tariffs under trade agreements.
Without a valid COO, customs may apply higher duty rates, place the cargo on hold, or request additional proof before releasing the goods.
It is typically issued by chambers of commerce or authorized government bodies, based on information provided by the exporter about the product’s origin.