A certificate of origin is a document that certifies the country of origin of goods, in other words their “economic nationality”. In France, the non-preferential certificate of origin is issued by a chamber of commerce and industry (CCI) for exports, when the destination country or the buyer requires it. On its own, it does not reduce customs duties: that is the role of preferential proofs of origin such as the EUR.1.
The country of dispatch is not necessarily the country of origin. Before requesting a certificate, identify which origin needs to be established and why the document is required.
Non-preferential and preferential origin
Non-preferential origin is the default origin. It is used in particular to apply the common customs tariff, trade-policy measures, trade statistics and origin marking. A certificate may be required by the destination country or as part of a commercial transaction. See French Customs guidance (in French).
Preferential origin can support reduced or zero duties when the relevant agreement’s conditions are met. Evidence depends on the agreement: a commercial certificate of origin is not interchangeable with preferential proof. See the preferential origin guidance and the list of EU agreements and preferences.
Certificate of origin vs EUR.1: what is the difference?
| Certificate of origin | EUR.1 | Statement or declaration of origin | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Origin certified | Non-preferential | Preferential | Preferential |
| Issued by | Chamber of commerce (CCI) | Completed by the exporter, endorsed by customs | The exporter, on a commercial document |
| Effect on duties | None on its own | Reduction or exemption under the agreement | Reduction or exemption under the agreement |
| Condition | Requested by the country or buyer | Agreement that provides for it | Approved or registered exporter status, or value threshold |
French Customs defines the EUR.1 as a “movement certificate” proving origin under EU preferential arrangements, excluding the Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP).
Two statuses let exporters certify preferential origin themselves:
- an approved exporter does not need to request an EUR.1 or EUR-MED for each shipment, whatever its value. According to French Customs, a non-approved exporter can only issue an origin declaration for a consignment worth less than 6,000 euros (approved exporter guidance);
- a registered exporter (REX) self-certifies origin in certain preferential relationships, including with Canada, Japan, Vietnam, the United Kingdom and, in the case of bilateral cumulation, GSP countries (REX procedure).
Exact rules vary between agreements: always check the text that applies to your destination.
Who issues the certificate of origin in France?
The non-preferential certificate of origin is issued by a CCI, which checks the information and applies its stamp (CCI Paris Île-de-France). Requests can be made at the counter or online through GEFI, the chamber network’s electronic platform for international formalities.
According to CCI Paris Île-de-France, the electronic version is fine for a buyer’s request, but not all customs administrations accept it yet, so a paper copy may be needed. Ask which format is expected before applying.
When is a certificate of origin required?
When importing into the EU, a non-preferential certificate of origin is not required in principle. For exports, it is requested by the destination country for certain products, or by the buyer under the contract.
Ask the importer or its representative which document is required for the product and destination, including any format requirements. A generic country list cannot establish an obligation for all goods.
How is origin determined?
French Customs distinguishes two situations for non-preferential origin. Goods wholly obtained in one country originate there. When several countries are involved, origin is the country where the last substantial transformation took place. The framework is set by Articles 59 to 63 of the Union Customs Code.
Preferential origin rules are specific to each agreement. The product’s HS code is often the entry point for finding the applicable rule.
Prepare a solid application
Gather product descriptions, classification, manufacturing information and supplier evidence. Check consistency with the invoice and shipped quantities: exporter, consignee, description, quantities and country of origin must match across documents.
Keep evidence with the file
Retain the selected proof and supporting records. The shipment file helps teams retrieve documents for exchanges with the declarant and partners.
Frequently asked questions
Who issues a certificate of origin in France?
Non-preferential certificates of origin are issued by chambers of commerce and industry. Preferential proofs follow a different route: an EUR.1 endorsed by customs, or an origin declaration made by an approved or registered exporter.
What is the difference between a certificate of origin and an EUR.1?
A certificate of origin proves non-preferential origin for commercial or regulatory purposes. An EUR.1 proves preferential origin and, if the agreement’s rules are met, allows reduced or zero duties. One does not replace the other.
Is a certificate of origin mandatory?
There is no general obligation. It is required when the destination country or the buyer asks for it for the product concerned. Check with the importer before shipping.
Can I get a certificate of origin online?
Yes. The French chamber network offers the GEFI platform to submit certificate of origin requests online and receive them electronically. Check that the destination country accepts this format.
Does an approved exporter still need certificates of origin?
Approved exporter status covers preferential origin: it removes the need to request an EUR.1 for each shipment. It does not replace a non-preferential certificate of origin if the destination country or buyer requires one.