Certificate of Origin
A Certificate of Origin is a printed form, completed by the exporter or its agent and certified by an issuing body, attesting that the goods in a particular export shipment have been produced, manufactured or processed in a particular country.
The “origin” does not refer to the country where the goods were shipped from but to the country where they were made. In the event the products were manufactured in two or more countries, origin is obtained in the country where the last substantial economically justified working or processing is carried out. An often-used practice is that if more than 55% of the cost of producing the goods originates from one country, the "national content" is more than 55%, then, that country is acceptable as the country of origin.
The Fremont Chamber of Commerce, as a service to its members, provides Certificates of Origin. This Service is also available to non-members at an increased rate. Due to recent litigation in this area, Chambers of Commerce have been advised to institute policies and procedures to protect themselves against possible litigation.
Procedure: Exporting Companies will be asked to sign an agreement (see “Indemnity” attachments) indemnifying the Fremont Chamber of Commerce against litigation or threatened litigation relating to the Certificate of Origin. A new Indemnity agreement must be signed each calendar year for each company. If one person owns more than one company, an Indemnity Agreement must be signed for each company or DBA.
Certificates of Origin – for the product being shipped. At least 55% of the product must be made here in the United States.
Certificates of Non-Origin – for products not made here in the United States but are shipped from the United States.
You may use the Fremont Chamber Certificate of Origin Form, OR you can design a form that fits your needs. BUT, the form you design must have the following paragraph or it will not be signed by the Fremont Chamber of Commerce.
The Fremont Chamber of Commerce (the “Chamber”), a recognized Chamber of Commerce under the laws of the State of California, certifies that, according to the best of its knowledge and belief, the products named in this document originated in the United States of America. This certification is made solely in reliance on the exporter’s representation and not on the basis of the independent verification by the Chamber. The Chamber assumes no responsibility for the truth or accuracy of any statements contained in the above affidavit or any of the documents mentioned therein, and the Chamber makes no warranty, either expressed or implied, concerning the goods, such affidavit, or any documents relating thereto.
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Fremont Chamber of Commerce
The Certificate of Origin(s) must be complete when they are brought to the Chamber office for signature and with the current date. Certificates of Origins will not be signed if the date is different from the date of issuing the certification. Incomplete forms will not be signed.
Service Fee Schedule: The service fee for Fremont Chamber of Commerce members is $3.00 per certificate stamp. The fee for non-members is $30.00 per certificate stamp. A 3.5% transaction fee will be added to all card transactions.
The Fremont Chamber provides Certificate of Origin service by appointment only.
Documents and Instructions
Below are the 2025 Certificate of Origin documents
Certificate of Non-USA Origin Form
What to do:
1. Read and keep the Certificate of Origin Policy for your records.
2. Read the 2025 indemnity form. Sign it and bring to the Chamber with you. A signed indemnity form must be on file at the Chamber during the calendar year 2025. You only need to sign an indemnity form once a year.
3. Fill out the certificate of origin form completely. Incomplete forms will not be signed.
4. We are not always in the office. To ensure someone will be here to sign your document, make an appointment using this link: https://tinyurl.com/fmtcc-book
5. Bring the certificate of origin form and/or your commercial invoice to the Fremont Chamber at 39500 Stevenson Place, Suite 109, Fremont, CA 94539. The door will be locked – ring the bell for entry.
6. The form will be imprinted with the Fremont Chamber seal and you will be charged $30 for each imprint. Fremont Chamber members are charged $3 each imprint. There is a 3.5% processing fee for card purchases.
If your company uses its own certificate of origin form, the form must have the following paragraph or it will not be signed by the Fremont Chamber of Commerce.
The Fremont Chamber of Commerce (“the Chamber”), a recognized Chamber of Commerce under the laws of the State of California, certifies that, according to the best of its knowledge and belief, the products named in this document originated in the United States of America. This certification is made solely in reliance on the exporter’s representation and not on the basis of independent verification by the Chamber. The Chamber assumes no responsibility for the truth or accuracy of any warranty, either expressed or implied, concerning the goods, such affidavit, or any documents relating thereto.
The Certificate of Origin(s) must be complete when they are brought to the Chamber office for signature. Incomplete forms will not be signed.
Updated: 12/10/2024