A Certificate of Origin (COO) is an international trade document that confirms where goods were grown, produced, manufactured,  or substantially transformed. It verifies the origin of goods and is often required to determine tariffs, eligibility under trade agreements, and compliance with import regulations. 

Where requested by an importer or the customs authority in the destination country, Australian exporters may be required to obtain and provide a Certificate of Origin to support customs clearance and meet trade requirements. 

Certificates of Origin fall into two categories:

• Preferential Certificates of Origin
  Also known as Free Trade Agreement (FTA) Certificates of Origin, these certificates confirm that goods meet the origin requirements of a specific FTA and are therefore eligible for preferential tariff treatment. This can provide importers with benefits such as reduced or eliminated customs duties, helping to improve the competitiveness of Australian exports.
• Non-Preferential Certificates of Origin
  Also known as Standard or Normal Certificates of Origin, these certificates certify the country of origin of goods that do not qualify for preferential treatment under an FTA. Customs authorities use them to determine the correct tariffs, duties and regulatory requirements applicable to imported goods and may be required to satisfy the import conditions of the destination market.

A Certificate of Origin can help: 

• Support customs clearance processes in overseas markets. 
• Demonstrate compliance with importing country requirements. 
• Enable access to preferential tariff benefits under applicable FTAs. 
• Verify the origin of goods for trade, regulatory and commercial purposes. 
• Reduce the risk of delays or disputes at the border. 

Free Trade Agreements are treaties between two (bilateral) or more countries (multilateral) to facilitate trade between participating countries including allowing exporters to export eligible goods under reduced or eliminated tariffs. For Australia, this means strengthening Australia’s global competitive edge and opening and amplifying export potential in new and existing markets. 

Free Trade Agreements in force

Free Trade Agreements not yet in force

Free Trade Agreements under negotiations

Australia is a party to numerous bilateral and multilateral FTAs where tariff benefits are granted on the provision of FTA Proof of Origin. Depending on the agreement, FTA Proof of Origin is accepted in the form of either a Preferential FTA Certificate of Origin issued by the Australian Industry Group or an independent Declaration of Origin completed by the exporter. 

Our experienced International Trade and Export Documentation Team can help you understand which FTAs may apply and are best suited to your export shipment. 

The table below outlines the diverse types of origin documentation, including Certificates of Origin issued by Australian Industry Group as an Authorised Body and Declarations of Origin prepared by exporters. 

Exporters must be registered for Australian Industry Group's export documentation services before applying for a Certificate of Origin. Complete and return the Registration Form by emaill to trade.docs@australianindustrygroup.com.au 

For best form functionality results, please use Adobe Acrobat Reader to complete the form.

Not sure which registration type is right for your shipment? Our International Trade and Export Documentation Team is here to help. Contact us for guidance on exporter registration requirements and the Certificate of Origin application process. 

View the current fees for Certificates of Origin, Letters of Free Sale, and other export documentation services issued and certified by Australian Industry Group.

* Payments can be made via EFT, by credit card or cheque made payable to Australian Industry Group.

For further Certificate of Origin and export advice, please contact our International Trade and Export Documentation Team by email: trade.docs@australianindustrygroup.com.au or phone 1300 776 063.