What trade document certifies the country where exported goods were produced?

A certificate of origin is the trade document that certifies the country where exported goods were produced.

Customs authorities use this document to determine which rules apply to an imported shipment. Its information can affect tariff rates, eligibility for preferential treatment under a free-trade agreement, import quotas, trade remedies and statistical records. The certificate normally identifies the exporter, importer, goods and country of origin.

A certificate of origin does not necessarily mean that every component was made in one country. Origin rules can examine where substantial transformation occurred, and different trade agreements may apply different tests. Exporters or authorized bodies such as chambers of commerce may issue or certify the document, depending on national procedures.

It is commonly confused with a bill of lading, which is issued by a carrier and records transport details, and with a commercial invoice, which states the sale value and transaction information. A packing list instead describes how the shipment is physically arranged.