Eligibility: Before applying for a Certificate of Origin, ensure that your product qualifies for preferential treatment under any trade agreement or if the importing country requires a certificate. Different agreements may have specific rules of origin criteria that must be met.
Registration: You may need to register with the relevant issuing authority. In India, the Export Inspection Council (EIC) is the apex body that issues Certificates of Origin. However, for certain products, other agencies like the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) or specific commodity boards may be involved.
Application Form: Complete the prescribed application form. This form will typically include details about the exporter, the consignee, the description of the goods, their value, and other relevant information. Ensure that the information provided is accurate and matches the details of the commercial invoice.
Supporting Documents: Depending on the type of product and the destination country, you may need to submit supporting documents. These documents may include commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, and any other documents specified by the issuing authority.
Declaration and Undertaking: The exporter may need to provide a declaration and undertaking stating that the information provided is true and that the goods meet the specified rules of origin.
Inspection: In some cases, a physical inspection of the goods may be required by the relevant authorities. This is to ensure that the goods comply with the specified rules of origin.
Payment of Fees: There may be fees associated with the issuance of the Certificate of Origin. Ensure that you pay the required fees, if any, as per the regulations of the issuing authority.
Issuance of Certificate: Once all the requirements are met, the issuing authority will issue the Certificate of Origin. This document must be signed and stamped by the authorized signatory.
Distribution: The exporter must submit the original Certificate of Origin to the buyer, and copies may be retained for their records. Customs authorities in the importing country will usually require the original certificate for clearance.