A Certificate of Origin (CO) confirms the country in which goods were manufactured, as distinct from the country they are shipped from. For most international shipments, this is one of the four minimum required documents, alongside the commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or air waybill.
The distinction matters because import duty rates, and eligibility for preferential trade agreements, often depend on where a product was actually made — not just where it was loaded onto a vessel. A shipment from China of goods originally manufactured elsewhere needs to reflect that accurately.
A standard (non-preferential) Certificate of Origin is usually issued by a chamber of commerce or trade body based on the exporter's declaration and supporting manufacturing records. Preferential Certificates of Origin, used to claim reduced duty under a specific trade agreement, typically require more detailed documentation proving the goods meet that agreement's origin rules.
Getting this document ready before your shipment departs — rather than requesting it after customs asks for it — is one of the simplest ways to avoid a documentation delay. It's a standard part of the paperwork we prepare for every international shipment.