KEY TAKEAWAYS
- A “certificate of origin” (sometimes called “cert. of origin” or CO) is a common term in trade documents. A commercial invoice is important for detailing transaction information.
- NotaryLive can digitize CO prep, eSign, notarization, and storage, cutting delays and tightening compliance.
Audio Summary:
What is a certificate of origin?
A certificate of origin (CO) indicates the location where manufacturers made the goods. Importers, customs, banks, and buyers often need it. It helps set tariffs and clear shipments.
- customs
- banks
- and buyers
…to set tariff treatment and clear shipments.
What’s the difference between preferential and non-preferential COs?
Businesses use preferential certificates of origin (COs) to get benefits from free trade agreements (FTAs). Non-preferential COs show the origin of goods but do not provide tariff benefits. Trade.gov
Two quick data points underscore the stakes:
The United States has free trade agreements (FTAs) with 20 countries. This makes certificates of origin (COs) common in U.S. exports. For 16 of these 20 countries, over 98% of agricultural goods face zero tariffs. This holds true if someone documents the origin rules correctly.
What problems do exporters and ops teams run into?
- Inconsistent formats and rules. Free trade agreement (FTA) claims require specific data elements and precise “origin” determinations.
- Manual signatures and scattered records. Paper routing slows down letters of credit, commercial invoice processing, and customs reviews.
- Verification friction. Many authorities and buyers expect authenticated documents and clear audit trails. The ICC publishes guidelines to standardize CO issuance and verification.
Is notarization required for a certificate of origin?
You often need to notarize a certificate of origin when shipping goods to some countries. This is especially true for certain countries in the Middle East.
Countries that have Free Trade Agreements with the U.S. may have special rules for COs. These rules can include notarization from a notary public to qualify for lower tariffs.
Other scenario
- Buyer requirements: The buyer may need a notarized certificate of origin for their internal procedures.
There is a tool that makes the process easier to receive a notary seal/notary stamp.
**For a certificate of origin template you can visit cbp.gov.
How does NotaryLive help with certificate of origin workflows today?
No more searching “notaries near me”. NotaryLive, a remote notary software, has got you covered, allowing you to notarize online.
- Prepare & eSign cleanly: eSign with your team.
See our roundup of features for document tools you can use right away.
But, where can I get something notarized?
- Notarize documents online. Add a notarized exporter declaration by a online notary when requested .
Our Business Account & Premier overview explains multi-user access, storage, and controls for compliance teams.
- Work from anywhere & notarize online. Coordinate across plants, forwarders, and brokers.
Our Multi-Location capability makes remote sessions simple for distributed teams.
- Keep a 10-year trail. Store packets that have a digital notary seal/notary stamp for 10 years and reuse templates.
- Embed with issuers & platforms. Integrate NotaryLive into e-CO portals so exports can verify identity, eSign and notarize with a remote notary in one flow.
Here’s how our remote notary software works in 4 simple steps:
- Upload Your Document
- Verify Your Identity with our advanced credential analysis
- Connect with a remote notary
- Download your notarized document online
How NotaryLive, An Online Notary Service Works
And there you have it, a sneak peek into the world of online notary public and its most popular states and the documents. Remember, each state has its jurisdiction, so it’s important to check your state-specific laws!
Does NotaryLive sound like the right fit for you and your business?
Learn more about our NotaryLive Business account can help your firm.
For pricing info, click here to visit our Pricing page!
If you have any questions, contact our sales team, and schedule a demo. We will be happy to help!
About NotaryLive
NotaryLive is a leading provider of digital notarization and eSign solutions, dedicated to enhancing business efficiency through a secure, user-friendly platform that prioritizes understanding and meeting customer needs. By offering innovative tools for electronic signatures and online notarization, NotaryLive empowers professionals to manage documents and notarize documents online, anywhere, any time.
FAQ
Do I always need a certificate of origin? Not always. Requirements depend on the destination, buyer, and whether you’re claiming FTA benefits. Check the ITA’s guidance on COs.
Can I use a self-certification under USMCA? Yes. USMCA allows a certification of origin by the importer, exporter, or producer if it includes required data elements.
Where can I learn the rules of origin for my product? Start with the ITA overview on rules of origin and FTA qualifiers.
