New opportunities for chambers of commerce to partner with their customs and trade agencies may be possible if current Certificate of Origin (CO) discussions within the EU lead to a decision to phase out stamps and certificates for exporters. 

Certificates of Origin (CO) attest that goods in a particular export shipment are wholly obtained, produced, manufactured or processed in a particular country (country of origin) and in most countries, chambers of commerce are the key agent in their delivery. Two types of CO exist.

Non-Preferential COs, also known as Ordinary COs, certify the country of origin of a particular product and do not qualify for any preferential treatment. They are the main type issued by chambers of commerce.

Preferential COs enable products to enjoy tariff reduction or exemption when they are exported to countries extending these privileges. An example is the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), sometimes known as Form A. In several countries, chambers have been working with their governmental authorities – as delegated agents – to be able to issue Preferential COs.

The issuing of Non-Preferential COs by chambers of commerce has not only provided businesses with an additional service, but has also been an efficient and cost effective solution for both business and government agencies. 

Under proposed EU reforms, stamps and certificates would no longer be required for traders wishing to export/supply goods upon which preference can be claimed. Instead they could register in their country of export as a Registered Exporter and complete a Statement of Origin.

At the World Chambers Federation Certificate of Origin Task Force meeting last week in Paris, chambers from Europe, Asia, USA and Africa learnt first-hand of the foreseen changes to the GSP system through a presentation given by the EU Directorate General Taxation and Customs Union's Origin, Customs Valuation & Trade Facilitation Unit.

Under the new arrangements, a "competent authority" would be established in each country to manage an up-to-date electronic record of the registered exporter, containing the name, full address, number of registered exporter, product coverage and period of validity.

The "competent authority" may request from the exporters, prior to their registration, all information necessary to ensure that they meet the conditions for exporting goods under the new scheme. Exporters would have to commit themselves to respecting the scope and conditions of the registration system and to comply with the relevant rules.

Chambers present at the task force meeting at ICC headquarters expressed to the EU representative that their organizations could act as "competent authorities" to facilitate the process. They noted that chambers of commerce already collect extensive business data from companies within their region, through projects like ChamberTrust, and are in a good position to establish an international chain to perform such a role.

Lee Ju Song, Chair of the Certificate of Origin Task Force and Deputy Executive Director of the Singapore International Chamber of Commerce said:

"Under the Geneva Convention, governments were obliged to make the process and procedures as simple as possible for companies requiring certificates of origin. In addition, it was specified that the state may allow these certificates to be issued by other organizations which 'possess the necessary authority and offer the necessary guarantee's to the state'.

"With such a widespread network, chambers of commerce are ideally suited to extend their role as a facilitator of trade. Chambers are capable and responsible partners due to their proximity and knowledge of their local business communities."