A practical guide for UK exporters 

Use this checklist to make sure you have everything you need before applying for a Certificate of Origin, helping you avoid delays and rejections.

1. Confirm you need a Certificate of Origin (COO)

Before you apply, check:

☐ Check that your customers are not expecting a document to allow them to claim preference and reduced duties when they are shipping their goods. A Certificate of Origin is a non-preferential document and does not suffice as proof for reduced duties on arrival at overseas customs. Check with the export team if you need advice on Free Trade Agreements and how to interpret them. 

☐ Does your customer want to see an original signature on the COO (standard application) or are they happy with a digital version (express application)? Your Chamber can provide either option. 
 
☐ For Middle East shipments, have you confirmed whether an Arab Certificate of Origin is required by your customer rather than a UK Certificate of origin? 

☐ For Arab countries your document may need to be certified and legalised by the Arab Chamber of Commerce. Check what your customer requires before you apply. 

Tip: Requirements vary by country and customer — always check first. 

2. Understand the Origin of your goods

Make sure you can accurately declare origin: 

☐ Do you know where the goods were manufactured or last substantially processed?

 

Are the goods: 

☐ UK origin 

☐ Third-country origin 

 

☐ Have you confirmed that any UK processing carried out on any goods imported from overseas, qualifies as substantial economic transformation to change the origin to UK?


☐ Just buying goods from a UK supplier, doesn’t necessarily mean it is a UK origin item. They may have purchased the goods from a foreign manufacturer. If you aren’t sure, then check with them and ask for proof.

☐ The COO should only list the manufacturer of the goods rather than the supplier.  

3. Gather your supporting documents 

You’ll typically need the following: 

☐ Commercial invoice – this is mandatory and can’t be a proforma invoice

☐ Packing list if you have one

☐ Evidence of origin (e.g. supplier declaration, manufacturer’s declaration, or an invoice from them showing the origin of the goods). Further guidance of proof of origin. 
 

Tip: Make sure the details you enter on your Certificate of Origin are consistent with your supporting documents (company name, consignee name, product description, weights, etc). 

4. Check certificate type and destination rules 

Before submitting: 

☐ Do you need a standard or express application? This can often depend on your customer and the country you are shipping to.  

  • Express application:

This type of application is digitally stamped by the Chamber, and you print it yourself from your eCert account. 

  • Standard application:

Once approved, the Chamber will stamp a hard copy of the certificate and post it back to you by the delivery method you have chosen.

☐ If exporting under a Free Trade Agreement and your goods meet the product rules of origin under the agreement, have you checked whether a UK EUR1, statement on origin or alternative proof of origin is required instead of, or in addition to, the COO?

☐ Does the destination country or your customer require: 

  • Legalisation or apostille of your documents (usually for Arab countries)
  • Additional Chamber certification (attestation/stamping) of your invoice or other supporting documents? 

5. Apply via the eCert application platform 

When you are ready to apply: 

☐ Do you have an active eCert account? 
☐ Have you uploaded all required documents in pdf and are they clear and legible? 
☐ Have you checked all the details on the COO and supporting documents are consistent?
☐ Have any foreign origin items had the relevant proof uploaded with your application? 
☐ Have you selected the correct certificate type? 
☐Does the applicant for the Certificate of Origin match the signature on the COO?  Whoever applied on your eCert account, must use their own signature. 

We aim to process applications on the same day if received by 12pm and submitted correctly. So, getting it right first time is key. 

6. Final checks before submission 

Before clicking submit, check that the: 

☐ Consignor and consignee company name and address match supporting documents. 
☐ Goods description is clear (no brand names or just part numbers) and matches your invoice. 
☐ Weights, packaging and shipping marks have been added onto the COO. 
☐ Origin declaration is accurate and supported by evidence.
☐ Destination country listed on the COO is where the goods are finally being delivered and not the consignee invoice or buyers address.

How much does a COO cost?

The price varies depending on whether you are a member of Business West Chambers of Commerce and whether you have chosen an express or standard application. See our price list for more details. 

Need further help? 

If you’re unsure at any stage, expert support can save time and avoid costly mistakes. 

Business West’s International Trade documentation team can help with: 

  • Certificates of Origin
  • Arab certificates and legalisation
  • EUR1 documents
  • Origin and compliance guidance 

Apply online via our application platform eCert, or contact our team for advice.