Certificate Of Origin

A Preferential Certificate of Origin (COO) is a document used in international trade that certifies the origin of goods, specifically indicating that the products qualify for preferential treatment under a trade agreement between two or more countries.

This certificate ensures that goods meet the required rules of origin outlined in a free trade agreement (FTA) or preferential trade arrangement (PTA), which may grant them reduced tariffs, tax benefits, or other trade advantages when imported into the partner country. The preferential treatment is usually available for products that are manufactured or produced in one of the agreement’s member countries.

The key purpose of a Preferential Certificate of Origin is to:

Demonstrate Compliance: Show that the goods meet the origin criteria for preferential tariffs.
Facilitate Trade: Ensure the importer gets the benefits of reduced customs duties or exemptions under specific trade agreements.
Enhance Transparency: Provide customs authorities with the necessary documentation to verify the origin of the goods. Countries often require this certificate to grant the preferential treatment in cross-border transactions.