As a brand on Faire, you are the exporter of record. You are likely to be required to provide proof of origin for the products you export internationally, for customs and regulatory purposes.
Proof of origin is essential for determining the eligibility of goods for preferential tariff treatment, trade agreement benefits, or to comply with trade restrictions. For brands shipping goods across borders, providing accurate proof of origin to carriers helps facilitate smooth customs clearance.
Different types of Proof of Origin
There are different types of proof of origin required, depending on the preferential trade arrangement, such as:
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A certificate of Origin, (CoO) : A Certificate of Origin is a certified document issued by the customs administration or public authority that states what the country of origin is of a specific product. As the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) states, 'it declares the 'nationality' of your product.
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Format requirements:
- Full name and address of the exporter.
- Full name and address of the consignee (Retailer)
- Description of the goods, including HS (Harmonized System) code.
- Country of origin of the goods.
- Details of the shipment: route, shipment date, etc.
- Signature and date of the authorized individual.
- Chamber of Commerce or relevant authority's stamp (if necessary)
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Format requirements:
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Self-Certification of Origin : Allows exporters or producers to declare the origin of their goods without the need for third-party verification.
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Format requirements:
- Description of goods.
- Statement declaring the origin of goods.
- Basis for the claim of origin (e.g., wholly obtained, sufficiently processed)
- Signature and date of the authorized individual.
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Format requirements:
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Manufacturer’s Declaration of Origin: A declaration by the manufacturer about the origin of the goods. (If you do not manufacture your products, this needs to be issued directly from the manufacturer)
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Format requirements:
- Letterhead of the manufacturer.
- Detailed description of goods.
- Statement asserting the country of manufacture or production.
- Signature and date of the authorized representative.
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Format requirements:
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Preferential Certificates of Origin : Certifies the origin for goods to claim benefits under specific trade agreements (e.g., NAFTA, EU free trade agreements)
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Format requirements:
- Information specified by the particular trade agreement.
- Details about the exporter (yourself as the brand), producer (if different), and consignee (the retailer)
- Description of the goods, quantity, and HS code.
- Statement indicating the preferential origin criteria met.
- Authorizing signature and date.
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Format requirements:
General tips when providing Proof of Origin for products you ship internationally
- There are helpful free templates online, one Google click away. We recommend you make the most of these !
- Always ensure the details provided match those on the commercial invoice and other shipping documents. (such as Consignee details, order number, shipping date, tracking number, etc.)
- Regularly review and update your knowledge about trade agreements that your country has with the destination country.
- Keep a record of all proof of origin documents for at least five years or as required by customs regulations.
- Ensure all details are legible, and digital copies are saved in a high-resolution format.
- For shipments with multiple products from different origins, itemize each product and provide the respective proofs of origin.
It's crucial to understand that customs regulations and requirements may vary by country.
As a brand shipping cross-border, you must stay updated with local customs guidelines and seek legal or customs advisory when unsure.