Export Documentation

We are authorised by HM Government and nationally accredited to certify Certificates of Origin and UK EUR1 certificates, invoices and other documents as required in International Trade.

Members receive up to 50% discount on export documents.

UK Certificates of Origin

Importers usually require a United Kingdom Certificate of Origin to meet customs or quota requirements in the importing country, or to comply with banking requirements to evidence the origin of the goods.

What documents do I need to supply as backup?

Commercial Invoice and packing list
If the goods are of foreign origin, we will also require commercial documentary proof such as a copy of the Certificate of Origin provided by the manufacturer, a Manufacturer’s Commercial Invoice or a Suppliers Declaration.

From 19th September all UK Certificate of Origin applications will be issued on plain paper and must be applied for via the online platform eCert (https://ecert.sgs.com/uk/member-login)

Over 40% of Certificates of Origin issued worldwide are now printed on plain paper. As we move into a digital future the BCC wants the Chambers to be in the vanguard working with the Government to achieve its digital ambition for a paperless border by 2025. The move to plain paper Certificates of Origin is the first step in this journey.

Certificates of Origin printed via the online platform have additional security features such as the QR code allowing anyone with the Certificate of Origin to scan the QR code and see an online version of the Certificate of Origin so they can check the version they have has not been amended or falsified. Anyone with the Certificate of Origin will also be able to verify the authenticity of the Certificate of Origin via the ICC verification website (https://certificates.iccwbo.org). Increasingly Customs authorities worldwide are looking to be able to verify Certificates of Origin online.

Plain paper Certificates of Origin (applied for via express method and printed by you)

The original certificate of origin must be printed in colour to a suitable standard that will be accepted by Customs authorities.
The layout and style of the certificates of origin will not change as this is laid out in the revised Kyoto agreement.
Once the application is ready to submit you will checkout as normal on eCert, however you will no longer be required to input the pre-printed certificate reference
The copy and application must be printed in black and white. You will receive the certificate of origin and the copy but will only need to print the original certificate of origin. It is up to you whether you print the copy for your records if you wish.
If the certificate of origin is refused because of the quality of the printing or the paper, this will be your responsibility as printed by yourselves.
Once the application has been approved, you will have the choice as to whether you print on plain paper or print directly to a PDF for attachment to forward to your client.

Plain Paper UK Certificates of Origin FAQ

UK-EUR1

An EUR1 movement certificate is used to support claims for preferential rates of duty in the country of importation, preference means that your buyer may pay a lower or nil rate of import duty on your goods. To qualify the goods must ‘originate’ in the UK.

When completing an EUR1 certificate it is advisable to consult HM Revenue and Customs Guidance document – https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/eur1-and-eur-med-movement-certificate/how-to-complete-the-movement-certificate

Exporters should be aware that they can only claim preference where the goods qualify using the Rules of Origin that apply to their goods which can be found in the guidance. Exporters should be aware that the origin rules can be different in each agreement, so they need to ensure their goods meet the rules of origin for each country they are exporting to using an UK-EUR1.

What documents do I need to supply as a backup? A Commercial Invoice and packing list

How to apply?

All applications need to be made via the eCert service. If you have never completed documentation before, you will need to register online at https://ecert.sgs.com/uk/

All users will be required to download and complete a Formal Undertaking. This document must be completed fully and returned to us before any documentation can be processed. All formal undertakings and signature lists must be renewed annually. You must also ensure all registered signatories have read the Standard Rules attached to the formal undertaking.

By using eCert, you can quickly and easily complete your documents and submit them to the Chamber. We are also encouraging exporters to upload all supporting documentation i.e.. invoice, packing list etc. to the online application and to confirm any other details in the ‘notes to Chamber’ section before submitting the application.

Express Method – if processing by the express method the application will be completed the same day (usually within 2 hours) unless submitted after 4pm. The exporter will then print the certificate.

Standard Method – if processing by the standard method the application will be processed on Tuesday or Thursday (depending on submission day). The Chamber will print the certificate for collection or posting.

Pricing

From the 19 September 2023 our pricing will be as follows:

	IW Chamber Member rate (+vat)	Non-member rate (+vat)
UK Certificate of Origin	£25	£50
EUR1	£22	£44
Other document	£25	£50

Standard invoice	£10	£20
Rejection fee	£5	£10
Chamber printed fee	£5	£10
Postage fee	£1.50	£3
Blank EUR1 handling fee (up to 60 copies)	£10	£20