Understanding the Certificate of Origin and Why It Matters

A Guide for Philippine Exporters

Exporting your products overseas? You probably already know about commercial invoices and packing lists — but one document that can make or break your shipment is the Certificate of Origin (CO).

While it may seem like just another piece of paperwork, this certificate can have a significant impact on your export taxes, customs clearance, and your relationship with international buyers. In this blog, we’ll explain what a CO is, when and why you need it, and how ZendEase helps make the process stress-free for SMEs like yours.

What is a Certificate of Origin (CO)?

A Certificate of Origin is a supplementary document in international trade that certifies where a product was manufactured, processed, or produced. It’s used to confirm the origin of goods — not where they are shipped from, but where they were made.

Why is it important?

While a CO is not always required to ship cargo or clear it through customs, certain countries, buyers, or trade agreements may request it to:

• Determine import duties and tariffs
• Confirm eligibility for trade agreement benefits
• Enforce sanctions or product restrictions based on origin

In the Philippines, Certificates of Origin are usually issued by the Bureau of Customs (BOC). While there are other authorized issuing agencies, ZendEase primarily secures Certificates of Origin from the BOC, as part of its export documentation process to ensure compliance and smooth customs clearance.

In addition, ZendEase helps you determine whether your shipment requires a Certificate of Origin and will assist you by coordinating with the relevant issuing authority. If your product is eligible for reduced tariffs under trade agreements, ZendEase can help ensure you’re not missing out on those savings.

When Do You Need a Certificate of Origin?

Not all exports require a CO, but here’s when it usually applies:

• When the buyer or importer requests it
• If your shipment qualifies under a preferential trade agreement (e.g., ASEAN Free Trade Area, EU-GSP)
• For regulated or sensitive items like food, electronics, textiles, or cosmetics
• If required for customs clearance in the importing country

Without it, you may face delays, higher duties, or even rejection of your shipment.

While many ZendEase clients currently ship to countries that don’t require preferential COs, the team still reviews each shipment’s destination and product classification. ZendEase ensures that if a CO is needed, it’s prepared and submitted correctly before export.

Two Types of Certificates: Which One Do You Need?

1. Non-Preferential CO

   Used for general exports where no trade agreement applies. This certificate confirms the country of origin of the goods but does not provide duty benefits.

2. Preferential CO

   Issued when goods are eligible for reduced or zero tariffs under trade agreements, such as:

   • ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA)
   • EU Generalized System of Preferences (EU-GSP)

   Getting the correct type of CO ensures you don’t miss out on tariff savings and prevents customs complications at the destination.

   While ZendEase primarily processes Non-Preferential COs, they can still assist exporters who qualify under preferential agreements. They’ll walk you through the steps based on your product and destination requirements.

What Happens If You Don’t Provide a CO?

Skipping the Certificate of Origin can have serious consequences:

• Delays at customs
• Loss of preferential tariff benefits (which means higher costs)
• Fines or rejection of goods by the importing country
• Loss of credibility with international buyers expecting compliance

For SMEs, these issues can harm your reputation and cut into your profit margins. ZendEase helps reduce these risks by double-checking your export documentation, verifying destination requirements, and ensuring you’re covered before the shipment leaves the country.

How to Get a Certificate of Origin in the Philippines

Here’s the standard process for securing a CO:

1. Prepare the required documents:

   • Commercial Invoice: Shows the declared value of the goods being shipped
   • Packing List: Lists the item description, quantity, volume, weight, and HS codes inside the shipment
   • Export Declaration (ED): Filed with the BOC prior to shipment. Prerequisite Documents needed in order to get ED:
     • Exporter Permit: Must also be secured with the BOC
     • Booking confirmation: From the shipping line or airline, indicating exact flight or voyage details.
   • Product permits (if applicable): For regulated goods (food, cosmetics, electronics)

2. Apply through an issuing authority such as the Bureau of Customs (BOC)
3. Pay the necessary processing fees
4. Receive your Certificate of Origin

ZendEase makes this even easier. Their broker can fill out and submit your Certificate of Origin — often in conjunction with your Export Declaration — to save time and minimize paperwork errors. Whether you need a digital or physical version, they’ll advise you on the correct format and issuing body based on your shipment.

Where ZendEase Comes In: End-to-End Export Documentation Support

ZendEase simplifies every step of your export process. When it comes to Certificates of Origin, they:

• Determine if your shipment requires a CO
• Confirm whether it should be preferential or non-preferential
• Assist in preparing and submitting the application
• Coordinate with issuing bodies if needed
• Bundle the CO with your Export Declaration to streamline documentation
• Ensure you stay informed of destination-specific trade benefits or requirements

With ZendEase, you’re not just shipping — you’re shipping compliantly and confidently.

A Document with Big Impact

It’s easy to overlook the Certificate of Origin—but it’s one of the most crucial export documents. Getting it wrong (or forgetting it entirely) can lead to costly customs delays, overpaid duties, and lost business opportunities.

ZendEase helps you avoid all that. With expert guidance, documentation support, and an in-house processing team, they ensure your export paperwork is accurate, compliant, and ready to proceed.

Start Shipping the Right Way—with the Right Paperwork

Avoid customs delays, overpaid duties, or rejected shipments. Let ZendEase help you secure your Certificate of Origin and manage all your export documentation needs—so your products arrive smoothly, securely, and on time.