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CETA Certificate of Origin Guide: Exporting from Canada to the EU

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Find out how to complete a CETA Certificate of Origin for exports from Canada to the EU. Know the rules of origin, proof of origin and eligibility.

Certificate with official seal representing proof of origin for international trade.

Businesses exporting goods from Canada to the European Union often search for a CETA Certificate of Origin, but CETA does not require a traditional government-issued Certificate of Origin. Instead, exporters provide an Origin Declaration (Proof of Origin) on an invoice or another commercial document so that eligible goods can receive preferential tariff treatment under the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA). To qualify, the goods must meet CETA's Rules of Origin, which determine whether a product is considered originating and eligible for reduced or zero customs duties.

Getting these requirements right is an important step to avoid customs delays and ensure your EU customer can take advantage of CETA’s tariff benefits. In this guide, you will learn who can complete an Origin Declaration, what information needs to be included and how to prepare it correctly. Whether you’re exporting to the EU for the first time or reviewing your documentation process, this guide will help you meet CETA’s proof of origin requirements with confidence.

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What Is a CETA Certificate of Origin (Proof of Origin)?

CETA proof of origin document used for exports from Canada to the European Union.

Although the term CETA Certificate of Origin is widely used, the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) does not require a traditional Certificate of Origin. Instead, the free trade agreement between Canada and the EU requires a declaration of origin, also known as an Origin Declaration (Proof of Origin), on an invoice or another document containing the origin declaration. This declaration serves as proof of preferential origin for eligible goods.

A valid Origin Declaration allows the importer of the goods to submit a claim for preferential tariff treatment and receive preferential treatment, including reduced or zero customs duties. Before issuing the declaration, exporters should confirm that the good is originating and meets the applicable origin criteria, then keep supporting records in case of a verification of origin.

How Product-Specific Rules of Origin Affect CETA Preferential Tariff Treatment

Completing export documents to determine CETA origin eligibility.

Meeting CETA's Rules of Origin

Not all goods exported from Canada qualify for CETA benefits. To receive preferential tariff treatment, a product must be originating under the rules set out in the Protocol on Rules of Origin and Origin Procedures. These rules include the applicable product-specific rule of origin, which may depend on the product's tariff classification under the Harmonized System (HS).

Once the goods satisfy the applicable rules of origin, the exporter may complete an Origin Declaration. The importer can then use that declaration to claim preferential tariff treatment when the goods enter the European Union.

Harmonized System Classification

Before a product can qualify for preferential tariff treatment under the free trade agreement between Canada and the EU, exporters must classify it using the Harmonized System (HS). The product's tariff classification is used to identify the applicable product-specific rule of origin and origin criteria under the Protocol on Rules of Origin and Origin Procedures.

Once the correct HS classification is identified, exporters should:

Who Can Complete a CETA Origin Declaration?

Shipping containers representing goods exported under the CETA agreement.

Canadian Exporters

The exporter of the products covered may complete the Origin Declaration for goods that qualify under CETA. As part of the completion of the Origin Declaration, Canadian exporters identify themselves using their Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) Business Number (BN) instead of the EU's Registered Exporter (REX) System.

When preparing the declaration, exporters should:

EU Exporters

EU exporters may also complete an Origin Declaration for qualifying goods imported into Canada. Depending on EU customs requirements, they may use the Registered Exporter (REX) System or an approved exporter authorization, where applicable. The REX system applies to EU exporters only and is not used by Canadian exporters.

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What Information Must Be Included in a CETA Origin Declaration?

Commercial documents prepared with supporting records for a CETA origin declaration.

Required Declaration Wording

The Origin Declaration must use the wording prescribed in Annex 2 of the CETA (also referred to as Annex 2 of the CETA Protocol). The required text must appear on the invoice or another commercial document containing the Origin Declaration. Using the correct wording helps ensure the declaration complies with the CETA Protocol on Rules of Origin and Origin Procedures.

Required Information

In addition to the prescribed wording, the declaration should include:

How to Complete a CETA Origin Declaration

Exporter stamping commercial documents before issuing a CETA origin declaration.

Step 1: Confirm Your Goods Meet the Rules of Origin

Make sure your product meets CETA's Rules of Origin before completing an Origin Declaration. A product is considered originating under CETA if it meets the applicable origin criteria and product-specific rule of origin identified through its Harmonized System (HS) tariff classification.

Only goods that qualify under the applicable rules of origin may receive preferential tariff treatment. Once eligibility has been confirmed, the exporter may complete the Origin Declaration.

Step 2: Prepare the Invoice or Commercial Document

Prepare an invoice or other commercial document identifying the goods. This commercial document must include the Origin Declaration and should give enough detail to identify the shipment to the customs authorities.

The Origin Declaration must be on the invoice or other commercial document which describes the goods. Having the right product information assists with customs clearance and the importer's right to preferential tariff treatment.

Step 3: Add the Required Origin Declaration Text

Add the required wording of the Origin Declaration as set out in Annex 2 of the CETA. Before you make a declaration to the importer, make sure it has the required statement and all relevant information.

Using the correct wording helps ensure the declaration complies with the CETA Protocol on Rules of Origin and Origin Procedures and can be accepted as valid proof of origin.

Step 4: Provide the Origin Declaration to Your EU Customer

Provide the completed Origin Declaration to your customer in the European Union. The importer uses the declaration as the basis for a claim for preferential tariff treatment when the goods enter the EU.

A valid declaration allows the importer to request the applicable CETA tariff benefits, provided the goods meet all origin requirements.

Step 5: Keep Supporting Records for a Verification of Origin

Keep records that demonstrate the goods qualify under CETA. Customs authorities may conduct a verification of origin, and the declaration may become the subject of an origin verification. Maintaining accurate records helps support your claim if customs reviews the shipment or issues a result of an origin verification.

Other Export Documents You May Need When Shipping to the EU

Export documents organized for international shipments to the European Union.

The Origin Declaration is only one part of the export documentation process. Depending on the product and the import requirements of the destination country, exporters may need additional documents required by the Government of Canada, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), or EU authorities. Some products may also be subject to origin quotas or other import requirements.

Common export documents include:

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