Document that proves a product's country of origin. The basis for customs preferences and some import regulations.
The certificate of origin proves in which country a product was made. It is the basis for customs preferences and can be required for certain import regulations.
The certificate of origin is issued by an authorised body, usually the chamber of commerce in the country of origin. It is to be distinguished from the preferential proof of origin (e.g. EUR.1), which additionally triggers duty advantages.
Why this matters for your import.
Some import regulations and many customs preferences require a documented origin. Without a correct proof you pay the full duty rate — even where an agreement would actually apply.
How you'll come across the term.
If goods come from a country with a free trade agreement, we secure the appropriate proof of origin — so that reduced duty rates actually apply.
Confusing where goods were shipped from with where they originate. For preferences the economic origin counts, not the place of dispatch.