Certificates of Origin

The Mansfield Area Chamber of Commerce provides electronic Certificate of Origin services to help local businesses complete required export documentation efficiently and securely.

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

Through our electronic certification platform, exporters and freight forwarders can submit applications, supporting documents, and commercial invoices online for Chamber review.

The electronic process allows businesses to:

• Submit applications online
• Upload commercial invoices and supporting documentation
• Track the status of an application
• Receive approved certificates electronically
• Access verifiable certificates with secure authentication features

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

Certificates of origin issued through the program are aligned with the standards set by the International Chamber of Commerce and can be verified via https://certificates.iccwbo.org/ 

Before submitting an application, be prepared to provide:

• Exporter information
• Consignee or importer information
• Product descriptions
• Declared country of origin
• Commercial invoice
• Shipment or invoice references
• Manufacturer documentation, when applicable

The exporter is responsible for ensuring that all country-of-origin declarations and supporting documents are accurate. Incorrect or incomplete information may result in processing delays, customs issues, or the need to submit a replacement certificate.

Complete electronic applications are generally reviewed promptly. Processing time may depend on the completeness of the application, supporting documentation, shipment complexity, and whether additional clarification is required.

Applicants should submit documentation as early as possible to avoid delays in the shipping or customs-clearance process.

A Certificate of Origin is not required for every international shipment. Requirements vary depending on the destination country, product, buyer, bank, trade agreement, and customs regulations.

The importer or buyer is typically 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 used for non-preferential origin. Shipments covered by a free trade agreement, such as USMCA, may require a different origin declaration or self-certification process.