Generating a CPTPP Certificate of Origin

This guide explains how to use COO Studio to simplify the complex self-certification process for the CPTPP. This is a Premium feature.

The Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) is a free trade agreement among 12 countries, covering goods, services, investment, and more. It uses a self-certification system for certificates of origin, eliminating the need for third-party verification. COO Studio helps you generate compliant certificates by guiding you through the required fields and origin criteria.

Legal Framework

The CPTPP’s rules of origin are outlined in Chapter 3, with certification requirements in Annex 3-B. It allows self-certification by exporters, producers, or importers on any commercial document or separate form, in hard copy or electronic format. No prescribed template is required, but certificates must include nine minimum data elements.

When to Use a CPTPP Certificate

Use a CPTPP certificate when exporting goods to CPTPP member countries (Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, Vietnam, United Kingdom) that qualify for preferential tariff treatment. This applies to originating products meeting the rules of origin, potentially reducing or eliminating tariffs on 99% of goods.

Note: Certificates are not required for shipments under $1,000 USD (de minimis threshold).

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Select the CPTPP Template

In COO Studio, navigate to the certificate generation section and select the “CPTPP” template from the available options. This template is designed to capture the nine minimum data elements and guide you through origin criteria selection.

2. Fill in the Required Fields

Complete the following mandatory fields based on your shipment details. COO Studio validates inputs to ensure compliance:

• Importer, Exporter, or Producer Certification of Origin: Indicate your role as the certifier (importer, exporter, or producer).

• Certifier: Enter your name, address (including country), telephone, and email.

• Exporter: Provide name, address (including country), email, and telephone if different from certifier. Leave blank if producer certifies and exporter is unknown. Address must be in a CPTPP country.

• Producer: Enter name, address (including country), email, and telephone if different from certifier/exporter. Use “Various” for multiple producers or “Available upon request” for confidentiality. Address must be in a CPTPP country.

• Importer: Provide name, address (including country), email, and telephone if known. Address must be in a CPTPP country.

• Description and HS Tariff Classification: Describe the good, enter the 6-digit HS code, and include quantity for Brunei, Chile, Mexico, Peru. Reference invoice number if applicable.

• Origin Criterion: Select from WO (Wholly Obtained), PE (Produced Exclusively from Originating Materials), or PSR (Product-Specific Rules). For PSR, specify sub-criteria like CTC, RVC, etc.

• Blanket Period: For multiple shipments, specify a period up to 12 months (e.g., “From: YYYY-MM-DD To: YYYY-MM-DD”). Leave blank for single shipments.

• Authorized Signature and Date: Sign and date the certificate, including the required statement: “I certify that the goods described in this document qualify as originating and the information contained in this document is true and accurate. I assume responsibility for proving such representations and agree to maintain and present upon request or to make available during a verification visit, documentation necessary to support this certification.”

COO Studio provides tooltips, validation, and auto-population to simplify this process.

3. Generate and Export Your Certificate

Once all fields are filled, click “Generate” to create the certificate. Export as a PDF or embed in your commercial invoice. Attach it to shipping documents for customs clearance.

Validity and Record Keeping

Certificates are valid for up to 12 months for blanket declarations. Maintain supporting documentation for at least 5 years. COO Studio can store and manage your certificates for easy access.

Common Questions

Why is there no official CPTPP template?

The CPTPP allows certifications on any commercial document or separate form, in any format (hard copy or electronic), as long as the nine minimum data elements are included. This flexibility eliminates the need for a prescribed template.

Which countries are part of the CPTPP?

The 12 member countries are: Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, Vietnam, and the United Kingdom.

What does “Available upon request” mean for the Producer field?

This allows confidentiality for producers who prefer not to disclose their information publicly. Authorities can request details during verification.

What are the low-value shipment thresholds?

Certificates are not required for shipments under $1,000 USD (de minimis threshold). COO Studio can help track and flag shipments above this amount.

How does COO Studio help with origin criteria like PSR?

COO Studio provides dropdowns for WO, PE, and PSR, with sub-options for CTC, RVC, etc. Tooltips explain each criterion to guide your selection.

For more details, refer to official CPTPP resources from member countries’ customs authorities, such as Canada CBSA, Australia DFAT, or New Zealand MFAT.