Step by Step Guide to Validate an Export Canadian Certificate of Origin for International Use

A Canadian Certificate of Origin (COO) is a document that verifies the origin of goods exported from Canada to another country. This certificate is an important document for international trade, as it provides customs officials with the information they need to determine whether the goods are eligible for preferential treatment under trade agreements, such as the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).

To validate an export Canadian Certificate of Origin for international use, there are several steps that must be followed. The following is a step-by-step guide on how to validate a Canadian COO for international use.

  1. Obtain the Certificate of Origin: To obtain a Canadian Certificate of Origin, you must submit a request to the Canadian Chamber of Commerce or a recognized issuing organization. The application must include details about the goods being exported, the destination country, and the trade agreement under which the certificate is being sought.
  2. Complete the Certification: Once the application has been approved, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce or the issuing organization will complete the certification by affixing their stamp, signature, or seal to the certificate.
  3. Authentication: To validate the Certificate of Origin for international use, it must be authenticated by the appropriate government department. In Canada, this is typically Global Affairs Canada previously known as  the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade, and Development (DFATD).
  4. Legalization: After authentication, the certificate must be legalized by the foreign embassy or consulate in Canada. This is to verify the authenticity of the signature, stamp, or seal of the Global Affairs Canada.
  5. Present to Customs: Finally, the validated Certificate of Origin must be presented to the customs officials of the importing country. They will use it to determine whether the goods are eligible for preferential treatment under the relevant trade agreement.

In conclusion, to validate an export Canadian Certificate of Origin for international use, you must obtain the certificate, have it completed and authenticated by the appropriate authorities, have it legalized by the foreign embassy or consulate, and present it to customs officials. By following these steps, you can ensure that your goods are eligible for preferential treatment under trade agreements and that your international trade transactions run smoothly.