What is a Certificate of Origin?
A Certificate of Origin (COO) is a document which states the origin of goods being exported. Virtually every country in the world considers the origin of imported goods when determining what duty will be assessed on the goods or, in some cases, whether the goods may be legally imported at all.
Who needs it?
Exporters. Certificates of Origin may be needed to comply with Letters of Credit, import Customs requirements or a buyer's request.
Why is the Chamber of Commerce in the business of signing Certificates of Origin?
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.
How does the Chamber know the information being provided by the exporter is accurate?
It can't. Chambers certify only that which they are able to verify. Certification guarantees the accuracy or truth of information contained in the document and is expressed by using the word "certified." Certification may be given for the whole document or may be limited to the position and identity of the Signatory. If the Chamber is presented with a declaration attesting to commercial details, the accuracy of which it cannot check it must confine itself to stamping the document attesting to the position and the identity of the signatory.
Can a Freight Forwarder stamp and sign?
No. The criteria for having chamber of commerce certify Certificates of Origin is they have direct members who are exporters and should retain profile details of the exporters in their database. An issuing body should not be an organization that provides services to exporters such as freight forwarders, which could compromise their integrity and impartiality in the authentication of Certificates of Origin.
We encourage you to schedule an appointment and send your COOs ahead of time, for preparation. You can do that by calling our front desk (208) 472-5205 or emailing reception@boisechamber.org
Fees are as follows and will be collected at time of service -
$10 members (per COO)
$25 nonmembers (per COO)
Complimentary notary service is available, if needed.
Should you have questions and/or need additional information, please contact Debbie Jones djones@boisechamber.org or call 208.472.5231.
Who needs it?
Exporters. Certificates of Origin may be needed to comply with Letters of Credit, import Customs requirements or a buyer's request.
Why is the Chamber of Commerce in the business of signing Certificates of Origin?
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.
How does the Chamber know the information being provided by the exporter is accurate?
It can't. Chambers certify only that which they are able to verify. Certification guarantees the accuracy or truth of information contained in the document and is expressed by using the word "certified." Certification may be given for the whole document or may be limited to the position and identity of the Signatory. If the Chamber is presented with a declaration attesting to commercial details, the accuracy of which it cannot check it must confine itself to stamping the document attesting to the position and the identity of the signatory.
Can a Freight Forwarder stamp and sign?
No. The criteria for having chamber of commerce certify Certificates of Origin is they have direct members who are exporters and should retain profile details of the exporters in their database. An issuing body should not be an organization that provides services to exporters such as freight forwarders, which could compromise their integrity and impartiality in the authentication of Certificates of Origin.
We encourage you to schedule an appointment and send your COOs ahead of time, for preparation. You can do that by calling our front desk (208) 472-5205 or emailing reception@boisechamber.org
Fees are as follows and will be collected at time of service -
$10 members (per COO)
$25 nonmembers (per COO)
Complimentary notary service is available, if needed.
Should you have questions and/or need additional information, please contact Debbie Jones djones@boisechamber.org or call 208.472.5231.
