Certificates of Origin

The Mansfield Area Chamber of Commerce offers electronic Certificate of Origin services to assist local businesses in completing their export documentation efficiently and securely.

A Certificate of Origin is crucial as it identifies the country where goods were manufactured, produced, grown, mined, or last substantially transformed. This certificate may be required by customs authorities, banks, importers, or buyers as part of the international shipping and clearance process.

With our electronic certification platform, exporters and freight forwarders can easily submit applications, upload supporting documents, and commercial invoices online for review by the Chamber.

**Electronic Submission**

This electronic process allows businesses to:

- Submit applications online

- Upload commercial invoices and supporting documentation

- Track the status of their application

- Receive approved Certificate of Origin electronically

- Access verifiable certificates with secure authentication features

Certificates issued through this platform include verification tools that enable customs authorities and financial institutions to confirm the authenticity of the document.

The Certificate of Origin issued through our program aligns with the standards set by the International Chamber of Commerce and can be verified via https://certificates.iccwbo.org/

**Information You May Need**

Before submitting an application, ensure you have the following information ready:

- Exporter information

- Consignee or importer details

- Product descriptions

- Declared country of origin

- Commercial invoice

- Shipment or invoice references

- Manufacturer documentation, if applicable

The exporter is responsible for providing accurate country-of-origin declarations and supporting documents. Incorrect or incomplete information can cause delays in processing, customs issues, or the need for a replacement Certificate of Origin.

**Processing Time**

Complete electronic applications are generally reviewed promptly. The processing time may vary based on the completeness of the application, the complexity of supporting documentation, shipment intricacies, and whether additional clarification is necessary. Applicants should submit their export documentation as early as possible to prevent delays in shipping or customs clearance.

**Important Information**

It’s important to note that a Certificate of Origin is not needed for every international shipment. The requirement for this certificate can vary based on the destination country, product type, buyer's needs, bank stipulations, trade agreements, and customs regulations.

Typically, the importer or buyer is the best source for confirming whether a Chamber-issued Certificate of Origin is required for a specific shipment. Certificates of Origin issued by Chambers are generally utilized for non-preferential origin, while shipments covered by free trade agreements, such as USMCA, may necessitate a different origin declaration or require self-certification.