What Is a Certificate of Origin? Trade Documentation Guide
A certificate of origin (CO) is a trade document certifying where goods were manufactured or substantially transformed. It determines customs duty rates and eligibility for preferential tariffs under free trade agreements.
What Is a Certificate of Origin?
A certificate of origin (CO) is an official trade document certifying the country where goods were manufactured or underwent substantial transformation. It determines applicable customs duty rates and eligibility for preferential tariffs under free trade agreements (FTAs) and customs unions.
Types of Origin Documents
| Document | Purpose | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Non-preferential CO | States country of origin | Standard duty rates apply |
| A.TR Movement Certificate | Turkey-EU Customs Union | Zero duty on industrial goods |
| EUR.1 Movement Certificate | Free Trade Agreements | Reduced or zero duties |
| Form A (GSP) | Generalized System of Preferences | Developing country benefits |
| Invoice declaration | Under 6,000 EUR shipments | No formal certificate needed |
Preferential Origin
Preferential origin grants duty reductions under trade agreements. Products must meet specific origin rules (rules of origin) to qualify:
- Wholly obtained: Product entirely produced in one country (agriculture, mining)
- Sufficient processing: Imported materials substantially transformed
- Tariff heading change: HS code changes between input and output
- Value-added rule: Minimum percentage (40-60%) of value created locally
A.TR vs EUR.1: Key Difference
A.TR certifies goods are in free circulation within the Turkey-EU Customs Union (not necessarily Turkish origin). EUR.1 certifies preferential origin (product actually originated in or was sufficiently processed in the exporting country). A.TR is a circulation document; EUR.1 is an origin document.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a certificate of origin always required?
Not always. But it is required when the importer claims preferential tariff rates or when the destination country mandates it.
Who issues certificates of origin?
Non-preferential COs: chambers of commerce. A.TR and EUR.1: customs authorities.
What is the validity period?
A.TR and EUR.1: 4 months from issue. Must be presented to destination customs within this period.
Can a Chinese product get an A.TR?
Yes. A.TR is a free circulation document, not an origin document. Chinese goods imported into Turkey and released into free circulation can be sent to the EU with A.TR (duty-free for industrial goods).
References
- ICC Rules of Origin
- World Customs Organization
- EU Customs Code
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