GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 22, 2026
Certificate of origin
A certificate of origin enables the importer to claim preferential tariff treatment or fulfil import regulations at destination – it is an official document certifying the country of origin of the exported goods.
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Source: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ursprungszeugnis
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Definition & Explanation
A certificate of origin enables the importer to claim preferential tariff treatment or fulfil import regulations at destination – it is an official document certifying the country of origin of the exported goods. Issued in the exporting country, typically by a chamber of commerce or a competent government authority, it must meet the specific requirements of the importing country or the applicable trade agreement. Non-preferential certificates serve mainly for documentation, trade statistics, and compliance purposes, while preferential certificates unlock duty reductions under a free trade agreement. Customs brokers verify the certificate's form and content before lodging the import declaration; errors or discrepancies can result in denial of preferential treatment and retrospective duty assessments. The certificate of origin should not be confused with the origin declaration, a self-certification statement placed by the exporter on the commercial invoice, which certain agreements accept as an equivalent proof of origin.
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