Certificate of Origin. This is an international trade document certifying that the goods in a particular export shipment are wholly obtained, produced, manufactured, or processed in a specific country. Customs officials require a C/O to determine the correct import duties and to enforce trade embargoes or quotas.
Heard on the job
Customs won't release the containers until the broker provides the original C/O.
Also heard as
- Certificate of Origin
Related terms
Bill of lading
A legal document issued by a carrier detailing the type, quantity, and destination of cargo being carried.
General cargo
Goods shipped as individual units rather than in bulk or standard shipping containers.
Clause
To add a written exception or note to a shipping document regarding cargo condition.