What is a Certificate of Origin?
A Certificate of Origin (COO) is a crucial document for international trade that certifies the goods in a specific export shipment have been entirely acquired, created, manufactured, or processed in a designated country. It also serves as a statement from the exporter.
Nearly all nations consider the origin of imported products when deciding the duty to be applied or, in some instances, whether the products can be legally imported. The 1923 Geneva Convention designated Chambers of Commerce as the official entities responsible for issuing, signing, and stamping Certificates of Origin globally.
Important Information for the Woodinville Chamber:
- The Woodinville Chamber will only authenticate completed Certificates of Origin (COOs). The necessary COO form must be entirely filled out and notarized before submission to the Woodinville Chamber. Companies submitting a COO to the Woodinville Chamber must also provide corresponding manufacturer invoices, shipper affidavits, and any other documents that prove the origin of the goods. The listed product information must correspond exactly with the details on the invoice, including product numbers, quantities, and descriptions.
- The Woodinville Chamber will retain copies of these documents, including the COO, for a period of three years. The requesting business must provide copies of the COO and all related documents.
- Certificate of Origin requests will be processed during the Chamber’s office hours at 13317 NE 175th St, Suite N, Woodinville, WA 98072. Businesses are advised to submit COOs well before the shipment date to ensure adequate processing time. Non-members of the Woodinville Chamber of Commerce will be charged $20 per COO for stamping and sealing.
- The Woodinville Chamber only certifies documents as presented and does not verify the authenticity of the claimed origin of the goods. Furthermore, the Woodinville Chamber will not be held responsible if the U.S. company fails to provide all necessary documentation for international importation or exportation, or for any other issues resulting in the company’s shipment being held at foreign customs.
- The Woodinville Chamber does not process certificates of origin for goods originating outside of the United States.
