CERTIFICATE OF ORIGIN is an invaluable document to be procured by the exporter in respect of goods exported from India. This certificate indicates that the goods, which are being exported, are actually manufactured in a specific country mentioned therein. When imports from certain countries are favorably treated in the matter of levy of import duties, the Customs Authorities of concerned country insist on some proof of the fact that the goods are genuine products of such countries. For this, a certificate of origin is sent to the importer by the exporter. As the very name indicates, it is a certificate indicating the fact that the goods, which are being exported, have originated / manufactured in a particular country. It is a sort of declaration testifying the origin of exports. It is mainly useful for taking advantage of a preferential duty, if available. It also ensures that banned articles do not go to the importing country. Finally, the certificate of origin ensures that the goods have not been re-shipped by the exporter after importing from some other country.

Types of CERTIFICATE OF ORIGIN

1. Certificate of Origin (Non Preferential): All countries for clearance of goods generally require these certificates by the importers. Trade associations/Councils and chambers of commerce generally issue them. The exporter gives details in the prescribed form, submits a copy of the commercial invoice and pays the fees prescribed by the Ministry of Commerce, Govt. of India. Such certificate may be required if certain categories of goods are banned from certain countries. (ICC is authorized to issue this type of Certificate of Origin only).

2. Certificates for availing concessions under GSP: These certificates are required for availing concessions available under Generalised System of Preferences (GSP). Such certificates are to be obtained in triplicate. In India, only certain agencies such as Export Inspection Council, Central Silk Board, Jute Commissioner, etc. are authorised to issue certificate under GSP.

3. Certificate for availing concessions under Commonwealth Preferences (CWP): The prescribed form of such Certificate of Origin is available with the organization mentioned above. These organizations and their regional offices have been authorised by the Govt. of India to issued Certificate of Origin required in respect of exports to the preference giving countries under CWP.

Uses of CERTIFICATE OF ORIGIN (mainly to the Importer):

1. An importer gets quick delivery of goods from the customs authorities.
2. An importer can claim special concession as regards payment of tariff, if available.
3. An importer gets adequate proof about the origin of goods imported

In our country, the Chambers of Commerce, Export Promotion Councils and various Trade Associations/Councils, which have been authorized by the Government, to issue the Certificate of Origin.INDIAN CHEMICAL COUNCIL, which is the apex national body representing all Sectors of the Chemical Industry in India, is also authorized by the Government to issue CERTIFICATE OF ORIGIN (Non-Preferential) to exporters. ICC has dedicated staff for discharging this service on top priority within minimum time, across the table.

Indian Chemical Council (ICC) issues Certificates of Origin through its officesat MUMBAI, VASHI (Navi Mumbai), NEW DELHI, KOLKATA and CHENNAI.

Apart from Certificate of Origin, ICC is also authorized to do attestation of export related documents like Exporter's Invoices (Commercial Invoices) Packing Lists, Agency Agreements and Health Certificates. For availing the Certificate of Origin (Non Preferential) from Indian Chemical Council, it is mandatory that, every exporter has to register their Company/Firm with Indian Chemical Council by submitting an Indemnity Bond,

Exporters those who are not members of ICC also can avail this service from ICC by submitting the necessary Indemnity Bond and KYC Form.

Non- Members registering for Certificate of Origin (C.O) services will be charged a onetime enrolment fee of Rs.500/- (Rs. Five Hundred only) in cash, payable at the counter.

Registration Procedure:

1. Permanent Registration: Exporters are required to submit INDEMNITY BOND on Rs.200/- Non-Judicial Stamp Paper issued by the Government of India. A Specimen of Indemnity Bond i.e. Exhibit -2 is available with department in-charge. After submitting this Indemnity Bond ICC will register their Company and issue Permanent ICC Code No., which should be used in future for transaction with ICC. Company/Firm, who is not a Member of ICC has to pay a one-time Registration Fee of Rs. 500/- along with the Indemnity Bond.
2. After Registration of the company, Exporters will have to collect stationery of Certificate of Origin and submit it along with the Commercial Invoice, Packing list and Shipment proof i.e. Bill of Lading / Airway Bill / Lorry Receipt etc. for ICC's record

KYC FOR NON-MEMBERS