Non-preferential and preferential COs are the two types of COs. The non-preferential CO is a document which attests to the origin of the goods. The preferential CO attests to the applicability of a Free Trade Agreement to the goods in question.

The CO is a separate document from the commercial invoice or packing list.

Customs officials at the port of destination may require that the CO is signed and stamped by a combination of the following at origin:

• the exporter
• a notary at origin
• a chamber of commerce at origin
• the diplomatic mission at origin representing the destination country
• a government body at origin to endorse the credentials of the above
• the origin customs authority
• destination customs authority may ask a specific chamber of commerce for proof of review
• Chambers of commerce normally only certify information which they can verify.

If the chamber is unable to verify commercial details that presented, it will only attest to the signatory’s position and identity.

The proof of review is often the chamber’s official embossing stamp and the signature of a chamber representative. More and more countries now accept electronically signed certificates of origin issued by a chamber of commerce.

A buyer’s documentary requirements listed in a letter of credit may also include a certificate of origin. Additional certifications or language within the letter of credit may be required in order for the certificate of origin to meet the stated standards.

You can submit the needed documentation online and receive an electronic certificate stamped by a chamber of commerce in less than a day. An expedited paper certificate maybe available overnight with an electronic certificate of origin (eCO).

The certificate of origin is then presented at the time the export customs declaration is made at origin. It is also then presented when the corresponding import customs declaration is made at destination.

This process relieves the importer of duties which would otherwise be payable upon importation of the goods concerned.

The amount of detail required on the CO varies depending on the type of goods being exported and the destination.

Facilitating Market Access Through Trade Agreements

Preferential Certificates of Origin (PCOs) are essential documents that enable exporters to benefit from reduced or zero tariff rates under Free Trade Agreements (FTAs). These certificates serve as proof that goods meet the origin criteria set out in an FTA between participating countries or regions.

At TNETS Global, we help businesses navigate the often complex origin rules and ensure that your goods qualify under the relevant FTA provisions. Our services are designed to streamline the end-to-end process—from determining eligibility to applying for and issuing the certificate—ensuring full compliance and maximizing duty savings.

Our Preferential Certificate of Origin Services Include:

• FTA Eligibility Assessment
  We evaluate your products and supply chain to determine whether they qualify under the origin rules of applicable FTAs.

• Origin Calculation and Documentation Support
  Our experts assist in compiling the required supporting documents, such as bills of materials, production records, and supplier declarations.

• Application Preparation and Submission
  We handle the preparation and electronic submission of your PCO applications through the appropriate authorities or platforms.

• Ongoing Compliance Monitoring
  We help you maintain proper records and stay updated with changes in FTA origin requirements to ensure sustained compliance.

Supporting Global Trade Compliance and Commercial Requirements

A Non-Preferential Certificate of Origin (CO) is a key trade document that certifies the origin of goods being exported, but not for the purpose of claiming tariff concessions under Free Trade Agreements. These certificates are typically required to meet importing country regulations, satisfy buyer requests, or fulfill letter of credit conditions in international transactions.

At TNETS Global, we support businesses in the preparation and issuance of Non-Preferential Certificates of Origin that meet the regulatory, commercial, and logistical demands of cross-border trade.

When Is a Non-Preferential CO Required?

• To comply with import requirements in countries that apply origin-based trade measures (e.g. anti-dumping duties, quotas, embargoes)

• When required by buyers or banks for customs clearance or payment purposes

• To meet destination market expectations regarding product origin transparency

• For shipments to countries without an applicable FTA or where no preferential tariff claim is being made

Our Non-Preferential CO Services Include:

• Origin Qualification and Verification
  We help determine whether your goods meet the required origin rules under non-preferential guidelines, such as wholly obtained or substantially transformed criteria.

• Document Preparation and Submission
  TNETS Global prepares and submits CO applications in accordance with local regulatory and chamber of commerce requirements.

• End-to-End Compliance Support
  We assist in compiling supporting documentation, managing declarations, and maintaining audit-ready records to ensure long-term compliance.

• Multi-jurisdictional Expertise
  Our global experience allows us to manage CO processes for companies shipping across diverse markets and regulatory environments.

Free trade agreements exist between:

• A single country and another single country e.g. Japan – Australia Economic Partnership Agreement (JAEPA)
• Multiple countries e.g. United States – Mexico – Canada Agreement (USMCA)
• A single country and a supranational body e.g. EU Singapore Free Trade Agreement (EUSFTA)
• A supranational body and another supranational body e.g. European Economic Area (EEA)

both and other countries may require the exporter to issue a certain form as proof of origin in order for products to qualify for preferential tariff rates.

The Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), formulated during the 60s and early 70s to support the economic development of disadvantaged countries, reduces taxes on thousands of products imported from over a hundred countries with preferential status into the United States.

The European Union and countries all around the world have their own versions of a GSP, which are primarily designed to promote economic growth through trade with friendly countries.

The links below provide lists of both multilateral and bilateral trade agreements.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_multilateral_free-trade_agreements

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_bilateral_free-trade_agreements