USMCA Certification of Origin Template
Under USMCA, claiming preferential duty treatment requires a written certification of origin that contains specific data elements, but no official form. This template lays them out so exporters and producers can issue a clean, consistent certification.
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USMCA Certification of Origin Template
USMCA Certification of Origin
Certification type: Exporter This certification covers the goods below for the blanket period 2026-11-01 to 2027-10-31 (or a single shipment if completed for one shipment).
1. Certifier
Lone Star Precision Machining LLC 1200 Industrial Blvd, Austin, TX 78744, USA 512-555-0100, trade@example.com
2. Exporter
Lone Star Precision Machining LLC 1200 Industrial Blvd, Austin, TX 78744, USA
3. Producer
Same as exporter
4. Importer
Norte Componentes SA de CV Parque Industrial 45, Monterrey, NL, Mexico
5 to 7. Goods, classification and origin criterion
| Description of good | HS classification | Origin criterion |
|---|---|---|
| CNC machined aluminum housing, part number HSG-4410 | 8302.49 | B (produced from originating or non-originating materials, tariff shift or RVC) |
8. Blanket period
From 2026-11-01 to 2027-10-31
9. Authorized signature and date
I certify that the goods described above qualify as originating and that the information in this document is true and accurate. I understand I am liable for any false statements or material omissions made on or in connection with this document, and I agree to maintain and present upon request supporting documentation.
Signed by: Dana Ruiz, Trade Compliance Manager Date: 2026-10-20
A USMCA certification does not need a prescribed form, but it must include the minimum data elements. Confirm the current list and your product specific rule with the treaty text, the CBP guidance and a customs broker. This is a starting template, not legal advice. Blanket periods are generally limited to 12 months.
Check origin data in your ERP item master
Optional: talk through where supplier origin declarations can live in your ERP.
Optional. The tool and every export work without this. No spam.
How to use the template
Choose whether the certifier is the importer, exporter or producer, fill in the party addresses, describe the good and give its six digit harmonized system classification. Select the origin criterion that your analysis supports. If the certification will cover repeat shipments of identical goods, enter a blanket period, otherwise leave it for a single shipment. Sign and date it, then export to PDF to attach to commercial paperwork or send to the importer.
- Keep the supporting origin analysis with each certification
- Do not issue a certification unless you can support it
- Retain records for at least five years
The nine data elements and origin criteria
The data elements cover the certifier, exporter, producer, importer, description and HS classification of the good, origin criterion, blanket period and the authorized signature and date. Criterion A relates to goods wholly obtained, B to goods produced with non-originating materials that meet the product specific rule, C to goods produced entirely from originating materials, and D to certain goods with their own rule. Product specific rules use tariff shifts, regional value content or both.
Worked example
A Texas machine shop ships aluminum housings to a customer in Monterrey. The certification names the shop as certifier, exporter and producer, the Mexican firm as importer, describes the part, lists the tariff heading and uses criterion B because some raw material is imported. The shop must hold records showing the tariff shift or the regional value content calculation behind that claim. The importer relies on the certification when claiming the preference at customs.
Common mistakes
Companies sometimes sign certifications without a documented origin analysis, use the wrong classification or reuse a certification after the product changes. Others forget the blanket period limit. Store the analysis, bill of materials and supplier declarations in your ERP item record so they can be produced on request.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there an official USMCA certificate form?
No. The agreement lists minimum data elements and allows any format that contains them. Many companies use a standard template like this one.
Who can issue the certification?
The importer, exporter or producer may certify. Certification must be supported by records and the person signing is responsible for its accuracy.
How long is a blanket certification valid?
A blanket certification can cover multiple shipments of identical goods over a period of up to 12 months. Confirm details in the treaty text and CBP guidance.
Does this tell me whether my product qualifies?
No. Qualification depends on your product specific rule and bill of materials. The template only records the result of that analysis.
If your bill of materials and supplier origin data live in the ERP, we can help build a report that flags items missing origin support before a certification is issued.
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