Certificate of Origin FAQs
Where can I obtain blank Certificate of Origin forms?
Forms are sold in a minimum set of 10 and can be posted or collected from The International Department, view price list.
What is the difference between European Community (EC) and Arab-British Certificates of origin?
Arab-British certificates are required for exports to countries in the Arab League of Nations click here for a list of these countries. EC C of O’s are issued for all other countries around the world – with the exception of Mexico, see below.
Do I need to complete a cetificate of origin for Mexico on the EC Certificate?
There is an official prescribed format for Certificates of Origin for Mexico, click here to view the template.
Do I need to register my signature before I can sign documents?
If you are applying for documents for the first time you will need to complete a Formal Undertaking and Authorised Signatory Form. For a copy of the Standard Rules that apply for these procedures click here.
Can I send my documents by post?
Yes, accompanied by a company cheque (for non-members) made payable to Chamber Management Services to the address in the contact us section.
Documents for certification will be processed the same day and be made available for collection. Please remember to supply a SAE for your documents if you would like them returning by post.
How long will it take?
EC certification:
- Documents can be issued straight away if on order via our express service*
- Documents received daily by the International Department at 9.00am will be ready for collection on the standard same day service* from 12pm
- Documents received daily by the International Department up to 12.00pm will be ready for collection on the standard service* from 9.00am the following working day. Documents received by post for certification only will be processed the same day and made available for collection after 12pm or alternatively please supply a SAE for the return of your documents by post.
*see price list for standard and express service fees
Arab Documents:-
Documents will take 48 hours for certification only and a further 4 to 5 days for legalisation at the relevant embassy. Please supply a SAE for the return of documents by post, alternatively we can telephone you when the documents are available for collection
What is the cost?
If you require documents to be legalised please contact Alison Holmes on 01274 230073 or via email for the relevant embassy fees.
A certification account facility is available for members of Bradford, Leeds, York and North Yorkshire Chambers of Commerce. Payment can also be accepted by credit card (excluding Amex). Non-members are asked to send a company cheque made payable to Chamber Management Services.
Do you certify invoices and other documents?
Yes. The documents must be signed by a signatory from your company who is detailed on the Authorised Signatory Form that you have lodged with us.
Do you require copies of the documents?
Yes. We need three extra copies for any documents requiring legalisation. For all others you MUST provide us with an extra originally signed copy for our records (This does not apply to Certificates of Origin).
Do the Certificates of Origin have to be signed by the company?
Yes. On the EC C of O sign the pink application only (bottom right hand corner) and on the Arab-British certificate sign the blue and green application and control copies only (bottom right hand corner).
Can I have an EC Certificate with an Arab destination?
Yes, accompanied by a signed indemnity declaration on your company headed paper click here for wording.
Do I have to show the manufacturers name(s) and address(es) on the front of the Arab Certificate of Origin?
Yes, this information MUST appear in box 6. The Arab-British Chamber of Commerce will not accept any applications that do not include this information.
Do I have to complete the back of the EC Pink Application?
Yes. You should only tick the first box for goods wholly of UK origin or for goods manufactured exclusively from UK raw materials or components. Most manufactured goods contain some raw materials or components that have been manufactured overseas, therefore, the second box is often the most appropriate.
Do I have to include weights on my Certificates of Origin?
It is recommended that weights are given, but this can be replaced by other units of measure e.g. volume or quantity.
Can I get extra copies of the certificates certified and/or legalised?
Yes, you can purchase special blank forms from the International Department and have them issued at the same time as the originals.
Can I have my certificate back dated?
Yes, accompanied by a letter explaining why you need your certificate backdated and a signed indemnity declaration on your company headed paper click here for wording.
Do all embassies have different fees for legalisation?
Yes, and different rules as well. If you require further information on a relevant country please contact Alison Holmes on 01274 230073, fax 01274 771587 or via email