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Export documentation

We work with both HMRC and the Department of Business and Trade (DBT) through our partnership with British Chambers of Commerce (BCC). Let us help you ensure a smooth transfer to the UK-EUR1 and the UK Certificate of Origin.

We provide a range of commercial documentation services and can advise, organise and train your team, drawing on more than 30 years’ experience processing export documentation. As part of the BCC network, we’re aware of the latest changes to trade requirements, providing your business with up-to-date information, advice and signposting. Let us take the stress out of international trade, or develop skills with your in-house team.

Chamber members receive a discount of up to 50% on most export documentation.

E-Certs

The quicker, cheaper way of certification; submit your documents online at any time.

Read More about ecerts

ATA Carnets

Also known as a ‘Passport for Goods’. With an ATA Carnet, goods can be temporarily exported to foreign countries who are signed up to the ATA Carnet Convention without having to pay customs duties and taxes. A carnet is valid for up to 12 months. For more information please visit www.boomerangcarnets.co.uk

Documentation Products

United Kingdom Certificates of Origin

This certificate is required to prove the origin of goods and for help to clear the goods in countries worldwide. You can apply for these documents online

Read More about ecerts

Arab Certificates of Origin

This certificate is required for customs clearance and to prove the origin of the goods for shipment to Arab League Countries. You can also apply for Arab Certificates of Origin online – for more info, please visit www.ecert.sgs.com/uk

UK EUR1 Movement Certificates

UK EUR1 Movement Certificates are used to obtain preferential rates of duty in the country of importation. The EUR1 can only be used for goods that originated in the United Kingdom.

Read More about UK EUR1s

STANDARD RULES TO BE OBSERVED BY APPLICANTS FOR THE ISSUE OF CERTIFICATES OF ORIGIN OR FOR THE CERTIFICATION OF INTERNATIONAL TRADE DOCUMENTS

The Liverpool Chamber of Commerce CIC is an issuing authority authorised by Her Majesty’s Government under delegated authority for granting or certifying officially prescribed Certificates of Origin, which operates in this regard under the guidance and conditions of British Chambers of Commerce.
The following rules (hereinafter referred to as “the Standard Rules”) have been designed to render as simple and as equitable as possible the procedure and formalities connected with the issue of Certificates of Origin and the Certification of international trade documents, and to secure uniformity of practice as between all issuing bodies. The issuing body, as an authorised issuing authority, has undertaken to enforce the Standard Rules and any alteration or modification thereof as may from time to time be approved by British Chambers of Commerce. Before Certification by the issuing body of any documents it is a condition that each applicant shall give, in writing, an undertaking to conform with, and bound by, the Standard Rules operative at the time of Certification.

RULE 1

Certificates of Origin

a. Certificates of Origin presented for certification to the issuing body must be on the official forms which have been obtained from the issuing body. Each Certificate, Copy Certificate and Application form must, in all respects, comply with the requirements of the authority whose Certificate is to be issued and must be prepared and completed in accordance with any regulations, rules and instructions published by that authority and with any instructions, rules or notes on the forms.

b. A copy of the export invoice in respect of the goods described in the Certificate of Origin must be produced with the Certificate.

c. The goods must be described according to their commercial description which must be the same as appears in the export invoice. If the space reserved in the Certificate for the description of the goods is insufficient the applicant must:

either

use two or more Certificate forms according to the space required; in this event the official number of the second and any further Certificate forms used must be deleted and the number of the first form used must be inserted in its place; each form should be noted with the number of Certificate forms which
in total comprise the Certificate of Origin (e.g. “Page 1 of 3 pages”, “Page 2 of 3 Pages” etc);

Or

Insert a general description of the goods and the wording “as per invoice No ………… dated…………..” If there is any further doubt or confusion, you should speak to the Chamber.

Export Invoices and other Documentation

d. An applicant may request the certification of an invoice bearing a declaration of origin or other declaration as specified by the requirements of a particular country. Issuing bodies may certify the number of invoices as required by that country or to meet reasonable commercial needs. Other documents such as packing lists, exporters declarations and other export related documents may also be certified by an issuing body.

e. All documents presented for certification must be signed in accordance with Rule 3.

f. The issuing body will certify the authenticity of the signature on the documents presented for certification.

g. A copy of each document submitted to the issuing body for certification must be supplied for retention by the issuing body and must bear the signature of the person who signed the original declaration.

RULE 2

It is the responsibility of the applicant to make the appropriate declaration of origin of any goods which are the subject of an application for a Certificate of Origin. The origin of the goods must be determined in accordance with the terms of the 1999 Kyoto Convention and its revisions. In order that the issuing body may be satisfied as to the accuracy of the declaration the following conditions must be met:

a. An applicant is to make available for examination by the issuing body, when required, the books and records in support of the claim. The issuing body shall have the right also to inspect the goods and to make any enquiries from other firms or organisations stated by the applicant to have been involved in manufacturing, applying any process to, or supplying the goods. Additionally, the issuing body have the right to make any further enquiries it deems necessary.

b. Where the goods have been manufactured or processed by the applicant the applicant must declare, or otherwise detail the processes performed by them, on the reverse of the application form in accordance with the requirements of the certifying authority.

c. If the goods were not manufactured by the applicant, the name and address of the manufacturer must be stated on the reverse of the application. When requested by the issuing body the applicant must provide a copy of the manufactures or suppliers invoice bearing a signed declaration as to the origin of the goods. Further evidence of origin is required if a supplier’s invoice is provided.

d. In cases of re-exportation the applicant must produce evidence to identify the re-exported goods with the goods previously imported and support their declaration of origin by producing:

i. A Certificate of Origin of a responsible body in the country of export, or
ii. A copy of the invoice (Not a pro-forma) from the manufacture, or
iii. A declaration by the actual producer or manufacturer of the goods, or
iv. Proof of origin as required by the issuing body.
e. The applicant must provide any further information the issuing body deems necessary.

RULE 3

All applications for Certificates of Origin, all declarations made in connection with such applications and all declarations on invoices or on other documents for which certification is sought must be signed by principals, i.e.:

a. In the case of a sole trader, by the proprietor.
b. In the case of a partnership, by a partner of the firm.
c. In the case of a corporate body, by a director or the Company Secretary.

 

Alternatively, declarations etc may be signed by a duly authorised official or agent of a sole trader, firm or corporate body. In the case of officials, a letter of authority signed by the Proprietor, a Partner of the firm, or a Director or the Company Secretary of the corporate body, together with a specimen signature of the person concerned, must be deposited with the issuing body (this is in the form of the Formal Undertaking combined with the list of authorised signatories). In the case of an agent such as a shipping or forwarding agent, the issuing body can proceed with the application on the basis of the applicant’s Formal Undertaking, but if there is any doubt whether the agent has the necessary authority, written authorisation from the agent’s principal should be requested.

RULE 4

If, at any time, any declarations made by an applicant or anyone providing supporting evidence should be called into question by any authority and the applicant does not, within seven days after being notified by the issuing body, satisfy the issuing body that the declaration or evidence was authentic, the issuing body shall be at liberty to communicate particulars of the case to the appropriate authorities.

RULE 5

All new applicants must agree to be signed up to one of the BCC’s approved electronic platforms for applying for Certificates of Origin online.

RULE 6

The Standard Rules may from time to time be altered, amended or replaced by new Rules approved by British Chambers of Commerce. Any such modification, alteration or replacement, and the date from which such shall be effective, will be made known to applicants by the issuing body in writing. From the date on which any such modification, alteration or replacement of the Rules takes effect, applicants will be deemed to have had notice of it and be bound thereby.

RULE 7

Notwithstanding anything contained in the foregoing Rules, the issuing body reserves to itself the right, at any time and without indicating any reason whatsoever, to refuse to verify or certify Certificates of Origin or invoices (or other documents) which may be presented to it for verification or certification.

FAQs

Where can I obtain blank Certificates of Origin?

Blank forms can be sent out via Royal Mail once payment has been received. To place an order please email certificates@liverpoolchamber.org.uk

What is the difference between Arab and United Kingdom Certificates of Origin?

Arab Certificates of Origin cover the Arab League States, whilst United Kingdom Certificates of Origin are used for all the other parts of the world.

Do you certify invoices and other documents?

Yes, we do. Documents must be signed by an authorised signatory, who is listed on the formal undertaking you have registered with us.

What are the costs?

There are many variants on documentation prices. For a quote, please email our Export Documentation Team at certificates@liverpoolchamber.org.uk

Can I have an ATR document processed post Brexit?

No, the ATR document became null and void on 1st January 2021. At present there is no replacement available – you’ll find more information at www.gov.uk/government/collections/uk-turkey-trade-agreement

Should I use an ATA Carnet for goods being temporarily exported to the EU?

It is highly recommended to use a carnet for any temporary shipments of goods classified as professional equipment, commercial samples and/or destined for exhibitions & fairs. Since Brexit, many exporters turn to carnets as a quick, flexible and cost-effective way to get their goods temporarily imported into the EU. For more information visit www.boomerangcarnets.co.uk.