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What is the transport certificate of origin?

The transport certificate of origin is an accreditation document in the international trade whose function is to determine the country in which the merchandise being transported has been manufactured. Likewise, it is important not to confuse the country of origin with the country of origin or the country where the merchandise is going to be sent. In the context of private transport, this document is essential for customs clearance and for the application of tariffs and preferential trade agreements. The certificate is a very important document in all import and export operations in third countries within the European Union. Therefore, countries belonging to the European community and carrying out intra-community transactions are completely exempt from presenting this type of documentation. The certificate of origin is used to prove the origin of the merchandise that intends to enter a certain country. As it is intended to identify the origin of the merchandise, it must be separated from other documents.

How to get a certificate of origin?

The certificate of origin is issued by the Chamber of Commerce and is valid indefinitely, that is, it does not expire. In certain cases, the customs authorities may require the reworking of said document in order to issue the certificate of the merchandise. This document is issued in the country of departure of the merchandise and at the time the export is carried out. The documentation that must be provided is the following:
  • Responsible declaration affirming knowledge of the applicable regulations
  • Have documentation that proves the place of manufacture of the merchandise and, in some cases, the years of experience of the manufacturer.
This documentation must be brought to said Chamber of Commerce so that said certificate can be issued.

Data that must be provided to issue the certificate

The applicant must provide the Chamber of Commerce with the following documentation:
  • brands
  • Numbering
  • Packaging number and model
  • Nature of the merchandise
  • Quantity based on units

Instructions for issuing a certificate of origin

  • Shipper: Name, surname, address, country…
  • Addressee: First name, last name, address, country…
  • Country of origin
  • Transport information: Transport by which the export is carried out
  • Remarks
  • Order number, brands, number, nature of packages and designation of the merchandise.
  • Quantity: Kilograms, gross weight and net weight.

Types of certificate according to their use

As we have already mentioned, there are three types of certificates depending on their use: First there are certificates of export origin; Secondly, there are import certificates of origin and, finally, certificates of origin for transit.

Certificate of origin for export

There are three types:
  • Community certificate of origin: Countries in which the European Union does not have preferential treatment agreements.
  • EUR-1
  • EUR-MED: For countries with preferential treatment agreements with the European Union.

Import Certificate

We have the following import certificates:
  • Certificate of origin where the merchandise originates: Countries in which the European Union does not have preferential treatment agreements.
  • EUR-1
  • REX: Register of Exporters.
  • ATR: For countries with preferential treatment agreements with the European Union.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Certificate of Origin

What is the certificate of origin and why is it important in B2B exports?

Certificate of origin = official document certifying the country of manufacture. Importance: 1) Enables tariff preferences (EU-Morocco, EU-Mercosur, EU-Japan agreements). 2) Destination customs compliance. 3) Required by some B2B clients for audits. Typical tariff saving: 5-15% of declared value. For an exporter with volume above €100K/year, saving €5-15K/year.

How do I obtain a certificate of origin in Spain and what is the turnaround?

Standard procedure: 1) Application at the local Chamber of Commerce. 2) Mandatory documents: commercial invoice, packing list, origin proof (supplier invoice, technical sheet). 3) Chamber validation — typically 24-48h. 4) Cost: €30-80 per certificate. 5) Renewal: each individual shipment or in batches. For high-volume businesses: annual programme with the Chamber reduces cost and turnaround.

When is the certificate of origin mandatory and when optional?

Mandatory when: 1) You apply tariff preference (EU-Morocco, EU-Mercosur, etc.). 2) Client requires it contractually. 3) Destination customs requires it by TARIC/category. Optional but recommended: 1) Non-preferential cargo but saves customs hold if requested. 2) B2B traceability with end client. Without certificate where mandatory: you lose preference (pay full tariff) + possible 2-7 day hold.

Which countries offer the best preferential agreements with EU/Spain currently?

Top EU 2026 agreements with tariff savings: 1) EU-UK (post-Brexit TCA): 0% if rules of origin met. 2) EU-Mercosur (partial): signed 2024, progressive entry into force. 3) EU-Japan (CETA-style): 0% on many categories. 4) EU-South Korea: 0% on most. 5) EU-Mexico: partial. 6) EU-Morocco: traditional. For exporters, planning export with active preference = 8-15% default tariff saving.

How do I prove EU origin of my product if I source components from outside EU?

EU rules of origin — substantial transformation: 1) Tariff classification change between first material and final product (CTH rule). 2) EU value added above 50% of final product value. 3) Specific operations (assembly, machining). Required documentation: component invoices with TARIC, cost accounting, supplier declaration. If unsure, request BOI (Bonding Origin Information) — binding for 3 years. Annual external audit recommended.

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