Certificate of Origin from China: How This Key Document Can Cut Your Import Duties

In my 20 years of sourcing from China, I've seen countless shipments delayed at customs simply because the importer didn't have a properly issued Certificate of Origin. This single document can save you thousands in duties under trade agreements or prove your goods aren't from restricted regions. Understanding when and how to get one is non-negotiable for any serious buyer.

What is a Certificate of Origin?

A Certificate of Origin (COO) is a document confirming the country of origin of a product. It may be required by the customs administration of the importing country for products such as agricultural products, animal products, or steel products.

Types of Certificates of Origin

There are two main types of certificates of origin used in imports from China:

Preferential Certificate of Origin

A Preferential Certificate of Origin is a document issued by a customs authority that allows the importer to benefit from preferential tariff treatment under trade agreements for countries in NAFTA, the EU, ASEAN, etc. In the European Union, a Preferential Certificate of Origin is called EUR 1.

Such a document is needed to take advantage of a reduced/eliminated customs duty under a trade agreement. It is important that the certificate of origin number is included on the commercial invoice for a given order.

Non-Preferential Certificate of Origin

A non-preferential certificate of origin does not entitle you to apply for a reduced duty rate for a given product. However, such a document is useful if the importer wants to prove that the imported goods do not originate from an embargoed area.

When is a Certificate of Origin required?

Importers may need a certificate of origin when importing:

• Food or agricultural goods
• Animal products
• Medical devices or chemicals in certain categories
• Minerals and raw materials
• Textiles and clothing

What information does the Certificate contain?

A standard certificate of origin includes:

• Name and address of the exporter
• Name and address of the importer
• Description of the goods
• Country of origin of the goods
• HS code (optional but recommended)
• Export invoice number and date
• Signature and official stamp of the issuing body

How to obtain a Certificate of Origin from China

Don't let paperwork derail your next shipment. Work with your Chinese supplier early to confirm which type of Certificate of Origin you need—preferential or non-preferential—and ensure all details match your commercial invoice. If you're unsure about your supplier's documentation or want third-party verification, China-Check's factory inspection and document review services can help you avoid costly customs surprises.