A Certificate of Origin (CO) is an official document used in international trade that certifies the country where goods were manufactured, produced, or processed. This document serves as a declaration by the exporter or a designated authority attesting to the origin of the merchandise being shipped. Customs authorities in the importing country use the Certificate of Origin to determine the eligibility of goods for entry, assess applicable duties and tariffs, and verify compliance with trade agreements, quotas, or restrictions. The certificate plays a critical role in international trade compliance and can significantly impact the cost and legality of cross-border transactions.

Types of Certificates of Origin