Frequently Asked Questions

A local chamber of commerce can certify most general certificates of origin. The chamber must have access to the commercial invoice in order to verify that the exporter claims the goods originated in the United States. Local chambers of commerce should only certify goods that originate in the United States. Goods from other countries will need to be certified in their country of origin.

Many Middle Eastern countries require that the certificate of origin be certified by specific organizations. Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates and Yemen all require certification by the U.S.-Arab Chamber of Commerce. Shipments to Egypt must be certified by the American Egyptian Cooperation Foundation. The U.S.-Saudi Business Council certifies goods to Saudi Arabia. Goods to Morocco and Algeria must have certificates of origin certified by the embassies of those respective countries. The American-Israel Chamber of Commerce certifies the "U.S. Certificate of Origin for Exporting to Israel". NAFTA Certificates of Origin do not need to be certified. The declaration of the exporter is sufficient.