The Certificate of Origin is an often required yet little understood export document.  While usually considered one of those onerous foreign trade details by the exporter, it can be of supreme importance to the importer

Like all other export documents, COs are statements that certain events have taken place.  In this case, the “event” is simply that the referenced items were produced in a particular country/countries.  “Produced” may mean manufactured, mined or grown.  It also means produced from totally local content or produced from local and imported content.

Through world trade agreements on an international level, it has been determined and agreed upon by all countries that local Chambers of Commerce are reputable, and are in the best position to know the local companies and their product lines.  In several other countries, Chamber of Commerce membership is a requirement of doing business, and is not voluntary; therefore to be a legitimate business, they must be a part of their Chamber of Commerce.  In the United States, companies have the choice of being a member of their local Chamber; so this process requires additional measures to protect the integrity of the process and the Chamber’s liability.

For more information check out www.export.gov .

In order to obtain certification from the La Verne Chamber of Commerce the following is needed:

• Manufacturer’s invoice, shipper’s affidavit, completed certificate of origin and/or other documents indicating the origin of the goods for which certification is requested
• Completed, signed and notarized Affidavit. The exact language to be used must be obtained from the La Verne Chamber of Commerce.
• Disclaimer – the following disclaimer must be printed on your certificate forms prior to our attaching the Chamber seal:

“The La Verne Chamber of Commerce, a recognized Chamber of Commerce under the laws of the State of California, USA, has examined the manufacturer’s invoice or shipper’s affidavit concerning the origin of the merchandise and, in reliance on the exporter’s representation and not on the basis of independent verification to the best of its knowledge and belief, finds that the products named originated in the United States of America”

• Price Per Certificate – Chamber Members, free; $25 each for non-members.

If you would like a fact sheet about Certificates of Origin, please call the Chamber at (909) 593-5265.

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