---
title: "Certificate of Origin Guide: CUSMA vs. CETA Templates & Rules"
description: Do you need a Certificate or Certification of Origin? Download free CUSMA and CETA declaration templates and avoid duty on international shipments.
image: https://www.jetworldwide.com/hubfs/country-of-origin-graphic.webp
---

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# Certificate of Origin Guide: CUSMA vs. CETA Templates & Rules

[ Timothy Byrnes ](https://www.jetworldwide.com/blog/author/timothy-byrnes)

**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.

[READ ABOUT CUSMA 2026 UPDATES ON NEGOTIATIONS](https://www.jetworldwide.com/blog/cusma-usmca-review-2026)

## 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 Version

The 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.

[Request a Quote](https://www.jetworldwide.com/ship-rate) [Talk to an Expert](https://www.jetworldwide.com/contact)

[canada certificate of origin free trade](https://www.jetworldwide.com/blog/topic/canada-certificate-of-origin-free-trade), [certificate of origin explained](https://www.jetworldwide.com/blog/topic/certificate-of-origin-explained), [what is a certificate of origin](https://www.jetworldwide.com/blog/topic/what-is-a-certificate-of-origin), [certificates of origin](https://www.jetworldwide.com/blog/topic/certificates-of-origin)

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