Proof of Origin

List of documents acceptable as background to support the origin of goods on Certificates of Origin 

Acceptable proofs of origin from exporters, customs brokers and forwarders on behalf of exporters, are as follows: 

When goods are manufactured/wholly obtained/produced in Canada by the exporter:
(Example: Exporter is the one manufacturing the goods and exporting them.) 

• A duly signed and notarized manufacturer’s declaration on the company’s letterhead detailing the goods manufactured. (CCC template must be used – valid for two years); OR 
• Valid factory/official license issued by government entity providing reference is made to the manufacturing operations; OR 
• Phytosanitary certificates duly signed and stamped by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (agricultural products). 

When goods are manufactured/wholly obtained/produced in Canada by a company other than the exporter:
(Example: Exporter is the one exporting goods purchased from another Canadian source.) 

• A duly signed and dated invoice by an authorized representative of the manufacturer or supplier confirming the origin of the goods (3rd party confirmation); OR 
• A duly signed and dated declaration from the manufacturer or supplier on company’s letterhead detailing the goods in question and their origin. (CCC template can be provided and used as a blanket – valid for two years); 

When goods were manufactured/wholly obtained/produced in a foreign country:
(Example: Exporter is the one exporting goods purchased overseas.) 

• A duly signed and dated invoice by an authorized representative of the manufacturer, or supplier, confirming the origin of the goods (3rd party confirmation); OR 
• A duly signed and dated declaration from the manufacturer or supplier on company’s letterhead (in English or in French) detailing the goods in question and their origin; OR 
• A foreign Certificate of Origin duly certified by a recognized Chamber of Commerce. 

When goods were bought from a third party:
(Example: Exporter buys from a supplier who buys from another party) 

• A duly signed and dated statement from that party, on their company’s letterhead, declaring the origin of the goods in question. 

When goods refer to cars:
Proof of origin and ownership/VIN confirmation must be available for review. Additional documents may be required such as ‘Proof of purchase’, New Vehicle Information Statement (NVIS) or Certificates of Origin from the manufacturer of the vehicles (i.e. Ford Motors). 

Documents in support of Certificates of Origin must be current (less than 2 years from the date of issue).