Certificate of Origin

Chambers of Commerce have traditionally issued certificates of origin on behalf of U.S. exporters who are required to provide assurances to foreign buyers that the goods they are purchasing originated in the United States. Some chambers review as many documents as they can in order to make a reasonable determination that the goods did originate in the United States before issuing a certificate.

Here at the Kent Chamber of Commerce we require the following: manufacturer’s invoices, shipper’s affidavits and other documents which may indicate the origin of the goods. We also require the following verbiage to appear on all certificates of origin:

The Kent Chamber of Commerce, a recognized Chamber of Commerce under the laws of the State of Washington, has examined the manufacturer’s invoice or shipper’s affidavit concerning the origin of the merchandise and, according to the best of its knowledge and belief, finds that the products named in this certificate originated in the United States of America. This certification does not certify origin for purposes of the laws of the United States of America and makes no warranty, express or implied concerning the goods, affidavit, or documents relating thereto, and assumes no responsibility for the truth or accuracy of any statements contained in said affidavit of any of the documentation mentioned therein.

A Certificate of Origin must have:

• The authorized signature of the local Chamber of Commerce Secretary and the seal of that organization.
• The shipper’s name and address.
• The recipient’s name and address.
• The product’s parts or serial numbers
• The number of packages, boxes or crates in the shipment.
• The gross and net weight of the shipment.
• A complete and accurate description of the contents of the shipment.
• The country of origin of the contents of the shipment.

A notary is not needed on a certificate of origin. If there is a spot for a notary to sign, the only person who can sign that is Zenovia with the signee present and a valid form of their I.D.

Each Certificate of Origin is free for members and $75 for non-members and a $25 set up fee.

Each Notary is free for members and $10 for non-members.

What to Bring With You

• At least 2 originals (we need a copy) of:
  • Certificate of Origin
  • Bill of Lading (shipping documentation), Commercial Invoice, or Packing List for us to compare to the Certificate of Origin
  • Payment: Credit Card, Check, or Exact Cash

Helpful Tips

• If you need a notary for your Certificate, appointment is preferred but walk-ins are accepted.
• Make sure to fill out your Certificate before coming in.
• We need the following wording on the Certificate or we won’t be able to sign it:
  • The Kent Chamber of Commerce, a recognized Chamber of Commerce under the laws of the State of Washington, has examined the manufacturer’s invoice or shipper’s affidavit concerning the origin of the merchandise and, according to the best of its knowledge and belief, finds that the products named in this certificate originated in the United States of America. This certification does not certify origin for purposes of the laws of the United States of America and makes no warranty, express or implied concerning the goods, affidavit, or documents relating thereto, and assumes no responsibility for the truth or accuracy of any statements contained in said affidavit of any of the documentation mentioned therein.
• We need the following wording on any invoices that you need signed and stamped or we will not sign them:
  • The Kent Chamber of Commerce, a recognized Chamber of Commerce under the laws of the State of Washington, states that it makes no warranty, expressed or implied, concerning the management of the company, affidavit, or any documents relating thereto, and assumes no responsibility for the truth or accuracy of any statements contained in any of the documents mentioned therein.