What is a Certificate of Origin?
A Certificate of Origin (CO) proves the origin of a product and acts as a declaration for customs or commercial reasons. A CO confirms that a product has been wholly obtained, manufactured or processed in a certain country.
Why do you need a Certificate of Origin?
You may require a CO if you are exporting your UK manufactured product and you have been asked for one by your buyer. They may request this document in order to take advantage of reduced tariffs on import customs clearance, subject to trade agreements between countries/regions – this is known as preferential.
A non-preferential CO may be used due to policy measures, which could be anti-dumping measures, trade embargoes or safety measures.
How do I obtain a Certificate of Origin for Export?
Your freight forwarder can handle the production of a Certificate of Origin for you. Mercator liaises with our local office to apply for Certificates of Origin regularly on our clients’ behalf. If we are handling your export shipment for you, then we can assist you with the production of the CO.
What documents do I need to provide for a Certificate of Origin?
To apply for a CO for export from the UK you will need to present these documents: commercial invoice, address of the manufacturer, packing list, letter of authority, proof of origin if goods are manufactured outside the UK.
How long does it take to get a Certificate of Origin?
Generally the process of obtaining a CO for export shipping from the UK is a couple of days. If the request is urgent, we can expedite the process by personally attending the office producing the certificate.
My shipment has already sailed, can I still get a Certificate of Origin?
Yes. Alongside the usual paperwork required for the CO, all your freight forwarder will need to provide to the office drawing up the certificate is a copy of the airway bill or bill of landing. Make sure you appoint a reputable freight forwarder to handle your UK export shipment, they will advise you from the start what you require for your shipment and will have the capabilities to handle it all for you as well.
If you have an export shipment you need a quote for, please contact us, we will be pleased to assist you. Our office is open Monday-Friday 9am-5pm: (+44) 02392 756 575; sales@mercatorcargo.co.uk; or complete the form below and we will be in touch.
