• Certificates of Origin

  • What is a Certificate of Origin?

    A Certificate of Origin (COO) is an important international trade document attesting that goods in a particular export shipment have been wholly obtained, produced, manufactured, or processed in a particular country. It is also a declaration by the exporter.

    Virtually every country in the world considers the origin of imported goods when determining what duty will be assessed on the goods, or in some cases, whether the goods may be legally imported at all. The 1923 Geneva Convention named Chambers of Commerce the official body to issue, sign, and stamp Certificates of Origin worldwide.

    Need a Certificate of Origin?
    The Chamber is here to help! We process Certificates of Origin in several convenient ways:

    • In-Person Appointments: Available Monday - Friday, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM (by appointment only).
    • Email Submittals: Available Monday - Friday, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM 

     

    How long does it take to get Certificate Of Origin Orders Processed:

    • Turn-around time is from 1-2 Business Days* after all materials are received.
    • Same-day service is not guaranteed; please plan accordingly.
    • To avoid delays, see our chamber closure policy and terms & conditions below. 

     

    How to Schedule an Appointment:

    • Email us at Staff@SeattleSouthsideChamber.com
    • Call our office at (206) 575-1633

  • Important Notice: Changes to the Certificate of Origin Seal Holder Program - Effective Immediately 

    October 2024, As part of our efforts to streamline operations and improve service delivery, we have made the decision to discontinue the Seal Holder Program. Effective immediately, we will no longer renew or issue new stamps under the Seal Holder Program. However, you may continue using your current active stamp until its expiration date. For more information, refer to the document linked below.

  • Planning Ahead Planning Ahead

    The Seattle Southside Chamber of Commerce is proud to support our business community through Certificate of Origin (COO) services. To ensure timely service, we strongly encourage businesses to review our event calendar and plan accordingly.

    Please note the following service limitations:

    • COO services are unavailable during all federally recognized holidays.

    • COO services are also suspended during Chamber-produced events, as all staff are assigned to support these initiatives, which are critical to advancing regional economic development. Services will resume the next business day following the event.

    All planned closures or limited capacity dates are posted at least one week in advance on our website and communicated through membership newsletters.

    For urgent COO requests, we recommend submitting documents well in advance of any closure dates. If you have questions or require assistance, please contact our team directly.

    We appreciate your cooperation and understanding.

  • Preparing for Your Certificate of Origin Appointment Preparing for Your Certificate of Origin Appointment

    To ensure a smooth process, please review and follow these guidelines:

     

    Step 1: Prepare the Certificate of Origin Forms

    1. Bring at least two original forms: one for yourself and one for the Chamber.
    2. Note: The Chamber does not supply Certificate of Origin forms, so please ensure you have the necessary documents.

    Step 2: Verify Certificate of Origin Content

    1. Clearly state the Country of Origin as “USA” or “United States of America.”
    2. Include the Chamber's disclaimer wording (see below) at the bottom of the page, beneath the exporter’s declaration.
    3. Ensure the Certificate is signed by the exporter before it is presented for the Chamber’s signature and stamp.

    Step 3: Gather Backup Documentation

    1. Provide supporting documentation to confirm the products originated in the United States. Examples include:
      • Bill of Lading (or other shipping documentation)
      • Commercial Invoice
      • Packing List
    2. Ensure the supporting documents match the details on the Certificate of Origin.
    3. Important: The Chamber cannot issue a stamp if any products or materials are listed as originating outside of the United States.

    Step 4: Prepare Payment

    1. Payment is due at the time of signing.
    2. Accepted payment methods:
      • Credit Card
      • Check
      • Exact Cash
    3. Fees:
      • $5 per certificate for Chamber members
      • $75 per certificate for non-members + $25 setup charge (Must be paid in full before service.)

    Step 5: Final Preparation and Reminders

    1. Complete and fill out your Certificate of Origin before your appointment.
    2. Ensure the Chamber’s legal name—Southwest King County Chamber of Commerce—is used on all Certificates.
      • The Chamber cannot stamp documents labeled with “Seattle Southside Chamber of Commerce.”
    3. Remember: The Chamber does not stamp commercial invoices.

    Step 6: Include Required Disclaimer Wording

    The following disclaimer must be included on your Certificate of Origin:

    "The Southwest King County Chamber of Commerce, a recognized Chamber of Commerce under the laws of the State of Washington, has examined the manufacturer’s invoice or shipper’s affidavit concerning the origin of the merchandise and, according to the best of its knowledge and belief, finds that the products named in this certificate originated in the United States of America. This certification does not certify origin for purposes of the laws of the United States of America and makes no warranty, express or implied concerning the goods, affidavit, or documents relating thereto, and assumes no responsibility for the truth or accuracy of any statements contained in said affidavit of any of the documentation mentioned therein."

  • Preparing For Your Virtual Certification of Origin Order Preparing For Your Virtual Certification of Origin Order

    To streamline the certification process, we offer virtual processing of Certificates of Origin. Follow the steps below to ensure a smooth and efficient experience:

    1. Prepare the Documents

    • Ensure that all necessary documents, including the completed Certificate of Origin, commercial invoices, Bill of Lading and any relevant supporting materials, are scanned and saved as PDFs.
    • Make sure all information is clear and legible before submission.

    2. Submit the Documents

    • Email your scanned documents to staff@seattlesouthsidechamber.com with the subject line: "Certificate of Origin Submission – [Your Company Name]."
    • Submissions are processed on Monday Thrugh Friday.

    3. Processing Time

    • Once received, we will process and virtually sign/stamp the documents within 1 - 2 Business Day*. (Same day service is not guaranteed, see our chamber closure policy.)
    • You will receive a confirmation email once your documents have been processed and are ready for return.

    4. Receive the Signed Certificate

    • Upon completion, we will return the signed/stamped certificate to you via email in PDF format.
    • If physical copies are required, please notify us in your email, and arrange for pickup or delivery from your preferred courier service provider. (Delivery charges apply.)

    5. Important Deadlines

    • If your documents require urgent attention, please specify this in your email, and we will do our best to accommodate your request.

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  • Certificate of Origin – Terms and Conditions

    By using the Seattle Southside Chamber of Commerce for Certificate of Origin (COO) processing, businesses agree to the terms outlined below. These guidelines are intended to ensure fairness, clarity, and efficiency for all users of this service.

    Processing Time COO requests are processed within 1–2 business days from the time complete and compliant documentation is received. While we make every effort to be timely, same-day service is not guaranteed. COO services are unavailable on federally recognized holidays and during Chamber-produced events, when all staff are dedicated to programming that advances regional economic development. All planned closure dates are posted in advance on our event calendar, and businesses are responsible for planning accordingly. During high-volume seasons, such as the spring and summer months, processing may take up to 5 business days. Submission Requirements To avoid delays, businesses must submit all required materials in full, including a completed and signed Certificate of Origin form, supporting documentation (such as invoices, bills of lading, or packing lists), and full payment at the time of service. The Chamber’s required disclaimer language must also be included on the form. Incomplete, inaccurate, or missing documentation will result in a delay, and processing will not begin until all corrected materials are received. Past Due Accounts The Chamber will not process Certificate of Origin requests for businesses with a past due balance on their account. All accounts must be in good standing, with any outstanding balances paid in full, before any documentation will be processed. Stamp Holder Program Discontinued The Chamber permanently discontinued the Seal Holder Program in October 2024 due to legal and liability risks. We no longer issue stamps for use outside of our office or authorized virtual processing. This decision is final. No chambers in our region currently offer stamp lending programs, as industry best practices discourage decentralized certification due to compliance risks under international trade regulations. Communication Expectations To ensure smooth and efficient processing, customers are asked to refrain from sending repeated resubmissions, multiple status inquiries, or copying multiple Chamber staff members. These actions do not expedite service and may cause unnecessary delays. All COO-related communication should be directed to staff@seattlesouthsidechamber.com for the most efficient response. Rush Service (Coming Soon) We are currently reviewing the possibility of offering an expedited "rush" service option for an additional fee. This option is being carefully evaluated to ensure legal compliance and operational feasibility. Additional details will be announced once available. Chamber Disclaimer The Chamber certifies COO documents solely based on the documentation submitted by the requesting business. We do not independently verify the physical origin of goods and assume no responsibility or liability for the accuracy or truthfulness of the information provided. Right to Refuse Service The Chamber reserves the right to refuse COO processing for businesses that repeatedly submit incomplete or non-compliant documentation, Fail to adhere to these procedures, Have a past due balance, or Engage in inappropriate or disrespectful conduct toward Chamber staff.

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Seattle Southside Chamber of Commerce
 3100 S 176th St, Suite 210, SeaTac, WA 98188
 206. 575.1633
 staff@seattlesouthsidechamber.com

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