Shipping documents

Certificate of Origin · CoO

Proof of the country where the goods were made. A preferential proof (EUR.1 or a statement on origin) can cut import duty to zero under a trade agreement; a non-preferential certificate is required by some countries or letters of credit.

Issued by
Non-preferential: the chamber of commerce. Preferential: customs (EUR.1) or the exporter itself with a statement on origin on the invoice (registered in REX where required).
When it's needed
When the buyer wants a preferential duty rate, or the destination country, bank or buyer asks for it.
Transport
Sea, Air, Road, Rail

What it contains

  • Exporter and consignee
  • Description of goods, quantity and HS code
  • Country of origin
  • Transport details and invoice reference
  • Certification by the issuing body, or the exporter's signed statement

Practical tips

  • Check whether a trade agreement covers the route — preferential origin can save the buyer the full duty.
  • Origin is decided by the rules of origin for the product, not simply by where it was shipped from.
See in the glossary

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Other shipping documents

General guidance only — requirements depend on the goods, the countries involved and the contract. We check the documents needed for every booking.

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