According to the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), local chambers of commerce can issue two types of certificate of origin (CO): preferential and non-preferential. A preferential CO is issued for goods subject to reduced tariffs or exemptions, while a non-preferential CO, also called a ‘Normal CO’, is for goods that are not subject to preferential treatment.
What does a certificate of origin certify?
The ICC says a certificate of origin certifies that goods in a shipment are wholly obtained, produced, manufactured or processed in a particular country. In other words, the document’s job is to state where the goods come from, as described by the ICC.
When a buyer simply asks for a "certificate of origin", it helps to find out which of the two types they mean before you apply. The sections below set them out side by side.
Preferential vs non-preferential certificate of origin: side by side
- Non-preferential CO – known as a ‘Normal CO’. The ICC describes it as being for goods that are not subject to preferential treatment.
- Preferential CO – issued for goods subject to reduced tariffs or exemptions. The ICC notes that preferential COs tend to be associated with Regional Trade Agreements.
The ICC has published a policy statement titled ICC Policy Statement on Non-Preferential Rules of Origin for commercial policy purposes (dated 11 November 2016), and a paper titled Multi Systems for Proof of Origin in Preferential Free Trade Agreements (published 21 March 2022).
Who issues certificates of origin?
The ICC says local chambers of commerce have a unique position to operate as the natural and trusted agent in issuing certificates of origin, and that they can issue both preferential and non-preferential COs.
The ICC also publishes Certificates of Origin Guidelines, which it describes as a universal set of procedures for issuing and attesting COs.
To find out which chamber of commerce can issue a certificate for your shipment, what it needs from you and how long it takes, contact your local chamber of commerce directly.
How to tell which certificate of origin your buyer is asking for
- Ask whether the goods are expected to receive reduced tariffs or exemptions on import. The ICC says preferential COs are issued for goods subject to reduced tariffs or exemptions.
- Ask whether a Regional Trade Agreement is involved. The ICC notes that preferential COs tend to be associated with Regional Trade Agreements.
- Check the wording the buyer uses. The ICC uses ‘Normal CO’ as another name for a non-preferential CO, which it describes as being for goods not subject to preferential treatment.
Whether specific goods qualify for preferential treatment under a particular agreement is a question for a customs broker or the customs authority of the importing country.
If the buyer’s request mentions a trade agreement, reduced tariffs or exemptions and you are unsure what to apply for, talk it through with your customs broker or freight forwarder before you contact the chamber.
If you are also agreeing delivery terms with the same buyer, What Are Incoterms? What They Decide and What They Don’t explains what those terms cover.
How certificates of origin are checked and other ICC tools
- Certificates of Origin verification website – an online tool for customs authorities to verify the authenticity of COs.
- ICC Genesis – a digital trade tool to obtain certification of origin statements on invoice declarations.
Exporters wondering whether a certificate they have received or issued can be checked, or how origin statements on invoices are handled, can ask their chamber of commerce or customs broker how these tools apply to their shipments.
When to get specialist help
This post explains the two types of certificate of origin as the ICC describes them. It does not cover the rules of origin in any specific trade agreement, country-specific application procedures, fees or processing times.
- Whether your goods qualify for reduced tariffs or exemptions under a specific agreement: a customs broker or the customs authority of the importing country.
- Which certificate your chamber can issue and what it needs from you: your local chamber of commerce.
- Who prepares and sends the certificate with the shipment: your freight forwarder or customs broker.
- How origin statements on invoice declarations work for your shipment: your chamber of commerce or customs broker.
Requirements change, so confirm current requirements with the issuing chamber or the relevant customs authority before each shipment. For keeping certificates and other paperwork organised across shipments, see Managing Export Documents in One Place: A Practical Guide.
Related reading
- What Are Incoterms? What They Decide and What They Don’t
- How to Find International Buyers Without Agents
Sources
Checked against the official sources above on 12 November 2026. Rules and forms change, so confirm the current version on the official page before you act.