USMCA Certificate of Origin: Complete Guide

Complete guide to USMCA certificates of origin. Learn how to complete Form D, understand blanket vs. single certificates, and avoid common certification errors.

Last updated: 2024-11-2510 min read

What is a USMCA Certificate of Origin?

A USMCA certificate of origin is a document that certifies goods qualify for preferential (duty-free) treatment under the agreement.

Key points:

  • Required to claim USMCA benefits at customs
  • Can be completed by importer, exporter, or producer
  • Must contain specific required data elements
  • Retained for 5 years minimum

    • Without a valid certificate, you'll pay MFN (full) duty rates even if your product qualifies.

    Certificate Types: Single vs. Blanket

    Single Certificate:

  • Covers one shipment
  • Valid for that specific import
  • Used for one-time or irregular shipments

    • Blanket Certificate:

  • Covers multiple shipments over a period
  • Valid up to 12 months
  • Used for regular shipments of identical goods
  • More efficient for ongoing trade

    • When to use blanket certificates:

  • Same product shipped repeatedly
  • Same supplier/buyer relationship
  • Goods consistently meet origin requirements

    • Our platform can generate both types.

    Required Data Elements

    Every USMCA certificate must include:

  • **Certifier Information**
  • Name and address
  • Contact information (phone/email)
  • Whether certifier is importer, exporter, or producer
  • **Exporter Information** (if different from certifier)
  • Name and address
  • **Producer Information** (if known)
  • Name and address
  • Or statement "Available upon request"
  • **Importer Information**
  • Name and address
  • **Product Description**
  • Description of goods
  • HS tariff classification (6-digit minimum)
  • **Origin Criterion**
  • Which preference criterion (A, B, C, or D) applies
  • **Blanket Period** (if applicable)
  • Start and end dates (max 12 months)
  • **Signature and Date**
  • Authorized signature
  • Date of certification

    • Preference Criteria Explained

    You must indicate HOW your product qualifies:

    Criterion A: Wholly obtained or produced

  • Agricultural goods grown in region
  • Minerals extracted from region
  • Animals born and raised in region

    • Criterion B: Produced entirely in region from originating materials

  • All materials are already USMCA-originating
  • Manufacturing occurs in USMCA country

    • Criterion C: Tariff shift + may require RVC

  • Non-originating materials change tariff classification
  • May also need to meet RVC threshold

    • Criterion D: Produced entirely in region but contains non-originating materials

  • Product meets applicable RVC threshold
  • Most common for manufactured goods with mixed-origin components

    • Most manufactured products use Criterion C or D.

    Common Certificate Errors to Avoid

    Error 1: Incomplete information

  • All 9 data elements must be present
  • "N/A" or blank fields may invalidate certificate

    • Error 2: Wrong preference criterion

  • Criterion must match how product actually qualifies
  • Using wrong criterion can void the certificate

    • Error 3: Incorrect HS codes

  • Must use valid, current HS codes
  • Minimum 6 digits required

    • Error 4: Missing signature

  • Certificate must be signed
  • Electronic signatures are acceptable

    • Error 5: Expired blanket certificate

  • Blanket certificates expire after stated period (max 12 months)
  • Must renew before expiration

    • Our platform validates certificates before generation to catch these errors.

    Record Keeping Requirements

    You must maintain records for 5 years:

    Required records:

  • All certificates issued or received
  • Supporting documentation for origin determination
  • RVC calculations and methodology
  • Supplier certifications or statements
  • Import/export documentation

    • Best practices:

  • Digital storage is acceptable
  • Organize by certificate/transaction
  • Back up records regularly
  • Be prepared for CBP verification requests

    • CBP can request verification at any time during the 5-year period.

    Related Industry Guides

    See how these tariff rules apply to specific industries:

    Electronics & Technology (65% RVC)Automotive Parts (75% RVC)Textiles & Apparel (55% RVC)Agriculture & Food (50% RVC)

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Q: Can the importer issue the certificate?

    Yes, USMCA allows the importer, exporter, or producer to certify. However, the certifier is responsible for accuracy and must have documentation to support the certification.

    Q: What happens if my certificate has errors?

    CBP may deny preferential treatment and assess full duties plus potential penalties. If you discover errors, you can file corrected declarations within certain timeframes.

    Q: Do I need a certificate for every shipment?

    You need certification for each shipment, but a blanket certificate can cover multiple shipments of the same goods for up to 12 months.

    Continue Learning

    Section 301 China Tariffs: Complete Guide for Importers12 min readSection 232 Steel & Aluminum Tariffs: 2025 Update (50% Rate)10 min readUSMCA Rules of Origin: How Products Qualify for Duty-Free15 min readRegional Value Content (RVC) Calculator & Guide10 min read

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