Which Certificate of Origin Do You Need?

The international trade continues to expand its limit beyond continents. Undoubtedly, it has led to the trade laws and norms getting more complex, raising a constant need to devise concrete agreements and documentation. Talking about the Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), these serve the mutual interests of two trading countries, thereby benefitting the importers and exporters on both sides. However, to enjoy these benefits, you must prepare the documents like certificate of origin matching the prescribed formats and standards.

The certificate acts as a proof of origin of the goods that you wish to export. Depending on a number of factors and criterions, there are many types of origin certificates. Find out about each type and decide which one you may need for your next consignment.

Based on Actual Origin

If you are an exporter who exports good originating (produced/manufactured) in Australia, the Australian certificate of origin is what you would need. On the other hand, if you export from Australia the goods originating from some other country, you would need a certified declaration of origin.

As the actual origins of goods in two cases are different, the FTA benefits may also differ. So, make sure that you follow the exact format to prepare the right document with no chances of rejection.

Based on the FTA

Australia has signed a number of FTAs with different countries across the globe. The certificate of origin required to fulfil the conditions of each of these agreements may differ. Hence, you must refer to the FTA between Australia and the country you wish to export to in order to get the right certificate. For example, you may need a:

• JAEPA certificate of origin if exporting to Japan

• ChAFTA certificate of origin if exporting to China

• TAFTA certificate of origin if exporting to Thailand

• KAFTA certificate of origin if exporting to Korea and so on

Based on the Purpose

Not every certificate of origin serves the same purpose. It must be noted that the main aim of proving the origin of goods being exporter may differ for each consignment. Thus, the type of certificate you need may also have a specific format or content. To make it clear, here are the two main types of origin certificates:

• Non-preferential certificate of origin is the simple document which validates goods’ origin for purposes like statistics, quotas, labelling and more. In other words, it doesn’t entitle the goods for preferential treatment under any FTA.

• Preferential certificate of origin certify whether the goods being exported are entitled to receive preferential treatment or not. In case the FTA between Australia and the concerned importing country lists a good, it may receive reduced or completely eliminated tariffs.

How to Get Certificate of Origin?

Irrespective of the type of certificate you need, the procedure to get one is almost the same. Here is a quick small guide to help you through the process:

• Find out the chamber of commerce or any other body authorized to stamp the origin certificates in your region.

• Type the certificate as per the templates and formats you can easily find online. Sign it as per the instructions.

• Email the certificate to the issuing authority. You must know that you must submit one additional copy of the certificate for recordkeeping.

• Once stamped, you would receive the certificate on your email id. Print it right at your office.

The procedure saves time, money and efforts when compared to the conventional method of submitting the certificates for stamping personally or via post. It can also save you from delays and human errors.