Arab-British Certificate of Origin

Guide to completing Arab-British Certificates of Origin

The Certificate of Origin comprises a three part set as follows:

The Original Certificate (white coloured sheet printed in green)
The Copy Certificate (green coloured)
The Certificate Application (blue coloured) for retention by the Chamber

Instructions for the completion of the Arab-British Certificate of Origin forms are printed on the reverse of the blue Certificate Application copy. The following points amplify these rules:

Certification will not be carried out unless the complete three-part set is submitted
The Certificate of Origin set must be completed in typescript or print - each copy identical to the others - in English, Arabic or French. If another language is required by the consignee, it must be accompanied by an English or Arabic translation
The documents submitted must not contain erasures or superimposed corrections
Alterations may only be made by crossing out entries as necessary. Any such alterations must be initialled by the person making them and will be authenticated by A-BCC
A horizontal line must be drawn immediately below the final entry in Box 6 to prevent subsequent additions

Obtaining a Blank Certificate of Origin Form (Copy)

If an exporter requires certified and/or legalised copies of the Arab-British Certificates of Origin, separate copies which are single sheets of white paper printed in green, must be used. These can be purchased from Chamber Management Services.

Guidelines for Completing the Copy Arab-British Certificate of Origin Form

It is strongly recommended that the Copy Certification forms be submitted with the original set of Arab-British Certificate of Origin forms. This will ensure a reduced certification fee. However, in the event of copies being submitted subsequently for certification, then the Original Document fee will be payable. The Original Certificate of Origin form, or a photocopy of it showing the A-BCC stamp, is required as a back up and the serial number of the original Certificate of Origin must be entered on copies.

Photocopies of the Certificate of Origin can not be certified.

How to Submit an Invoice.

The following conditions should be met when submitting invoices for certification and/or legalisation:

The invoice should be an original. Any copies required should be submitted at the same time
Two extra copies are required to act as the Control and Application copies (photocopies are acceptable)
The full name and address of the Arab consignee at the final destination should appear on the invoice
In all cases, the signature of the applicant on the document must meet the requirements of the country of final destination. (N.B. In case of doubt, a hand-written original signature is recommended)
When invoices are not presented with a Certificate of Origin form, the country of origin and full name and address of the manufacturer are required
Where are agent signs an invoice, the signature must be followed by the full name of the signatory, their status as agent and the address of the agent

How to Submit Other Documents (O/Ds)

Other Documents refers to all commercial documents other than Certificates of Origin and invoices.

All Other Documents (O/Ds) must be originals
As with Certificates of Origin and invoices, two extra copies are required to act as the Control and Application copies (photocopies are acceptable)
All Other Documents must show the full name and address of the Arab consignee at the final destination
The document for certification must bear the original signature of an authorised signatory of the company which originated the document (not the signature of a documentary agent) and must be currently dated
Where an agent signs an invoice, the signature must be followed by the full name of the signatory, their status as agent and the address of the agent
Other Documents originating from a foreign source must show the name and address of the UK agent or representative. These must be signed by an authorised signatory of the UK agent or representative and be currently dated (the stamp and signature of a documentary agent is not sufficient)
If the Other Document relates to a particular consignment, it should be submitted with the related Certificate of Origin and/or invoice