Certificate of Origin Guide: CUSMA vs. CETA Templates & Rules
Quick take: In international shipping, "country of origin" means where a product was made—not simply where it ships from. Getting this right affects duty rates and free-trade eligibility.
This guide explains the critical difference between CUSMA and CETA requirements and provides copy-paste templates for your invoices.
Origin vs. Ship-From: The Basics
A common misconception is that the country you ship from is the origin. This is incorrect. Origin is determined by where the product was manufactured, grown, or last substantially transformed.
- Duty & Taxes: Origin determines if you pay the General Tariff (high) or the Preferential Tariff (often 0%).
- Compliance: Customs uses origin data for quotas, anti-dumping checks, and risk assessment.
Certificate vs. Certification: What is the difference?
While the terms are often used interchangeably, there is a distinct difference in modern logistics:
- Certificate of Origin (CO): A formal document, often stamped by a Chamber of Commerce. Used for non-preferential trade (e.g., shipping to the Middle East) or when no Free Trade Agreement (FTA) exists.
- Certification of Origin (Self-Certification): A statement added to the commercial invoice by the exporter. This is the standard for modern FTAs like CUSMA (USMCA) and CETA.
CUSMA vs. CETA: What is the difference?
Shipping to the USA/Mexico (CUSMA) is very different from shipping to Europe (CETA). Use this table to understand the documentation requirements:
| Feature | CUSMA / USMCA / T-MEC (North America) | CETA (Canada - Europe) |
|---|---|---|
| Document Type | Certification of Origin (Data Elements) | Origin Declaration |
| Format | Free form (any format allowed as long as data is present) | Specific text required on invoice |
| Who Signs? | Exporter, Producer, or Importer | Exporter |
| Key ID Number | Tax ID (EIN, SIN, BN) | REX Number (for EU exporters > €6000) |
Copy-Paste Certification Templates
Below are the valid formats you can copy and paste directly onto your commercial invoice or separate sheet.
1. CUSMA / USMCA (North America)
There is no official "form." However, you must provide the following 9 Minimum Data Elements:
CUSMA/USMCA Certification Format
1. Certifier Type: (Importer, Exporter, or Producer)
2. Certifier Name & Details: (Name, Title, Address, Phone, Email)
3. Exporter Name & Details: (If different from certifier)
4. Producer Name & Details: (Can state "Available upon request")
5. Importer Name & Details
6. Description of Goods & HS Code: (6-digit level)
7. Origin Criteria: (e.g., A, B, C, or D)
8. Blanket Period: (If applicable, max 12 months)
9. Signature & Date:
"I certify that the goods described in this document qualify as originating and the information contained herein is true and accurate. I assume responsibility for proving such representations and agree to maintain and present upon request or to make available during a verification visit, documentation necessary to support this certification."
2. CETA (Canada - Europe)
For CETA, you must use the specific "Origin Declaration" text below. It can be placed on the invoice or delivery note.
CETA Origin Declaration Text
English VersionThe exporter of the products covered by this document (customs authorization No ... (1) ...) declares that, except where otherwise clearly indicated, these products are of ... (2) ... preferential origin.
................................................................................ (Place and date)
................................................................................ (Signature of the exporter)
(1) For EU exporters: Enter your Registered Exporter (REX) number if value > €6,000. For Canadian exporters: Enter your Business Number.
(2) Enter origin (e.g., Canada / EU).
How Rules of Origin Actually Work
Just because you bought it in Canada doesn't mean it is "Canadian Origin." To qualify for 0% duty, goods must meet specific rules.
The "Tariff Shift" Method
This is the most common test. It proves that non-originating raw materials were sufficiently processed in the local country to change their HS Code category.
- Example: Fabric (HS 5007) is imported from China to Canada. It is cut and sewn into a Suit (HS 6203). The "shift" from 50 to 62 proves Canadian origin under many agreements.
Confused by Compliance?
Misdeclaring origin is a top trigger for customs audits. Let our team handle your logistics and compliance.
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