Originally published on 29/04/2025, we are reminding Lancashire Businesses issuing Certificates of Origin for exports to the United States must include a specific statement in the remarks section (Box 5) to ensure certification.

The required wording is:

The origin of these goods was determined using the non-preferential rules of origin published by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agency.

Without this phrase, the Certificate of Origin cannot be certified and will be rejected.

Mandy Lockett, International Business Director, commented:

“It’s vital that exporters carefully follow the new wording requirements when issuing Certificates of Origin for the U.S. Including this statement ensures compliance with CBP regulations and prevents unnecessary disruptions to trade. Our Certification Team is on hand to guide businesses through these updates and help keep goods moving smoothly across borders.”

To request a copy of the non-preferential rules of origin published by CBP, exporters should contact their Certification Team directly Certification Team

Further Information

Around the world in all other countries Certificates of Origin are vital documents issued for goods of any origin, as they verify where goods have been produced or manufactured. This information is essential for customs authorities to determine the correct duties, trade statistics, and compliance with trade agreements. Errors or omissions in Certificates of Origin can lead to delays, fines, or even refusal of entry for goods at their destination.

Providing a Certificate of Origin for your export customers helps them to import your goods smoothly.

The Certificate of Origin application process has been significantly enhanced to improve efficiency and accessibility for exporters. Through the Chamber’s dedicated eCert portal, Exporters can now submit their documentation online in a streamlined manner. On average, the application takes just 15 to 30 minutes to complete. Once submitted, certificates are typically certified and returned within two hours, ensuring minimal disruption to export timelines.

The eCert system represents a modern, reliable solution for managing Certificates of Origin.

For more details on accessing Certificates of Origin, contact our Certification Team