USMCA Certificate of Origin Generator

Q: What is a USMCA Certificate of Origin?

A USMCA Certificate of Origin is a document completed by an importer, exporter, or producer certifying that goods qualify for preferential (often 0%) tariff treatment under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement. Unlike NAFTA, USMCA does not require a specific government form — the certifier can use any format as long as it contains all required data elements per 19 CFR 182 Annex 5-A, including product description, HTS code, origin criterion, blanket period, and a signed certification statement.

Q: What are USMCA origin criteria A through F?

USMCA origin criteria determine how goods qualify for preferential treatment: A = Wholly obtained or produced (minerals, agricultural products grown entirely in USMCA territory); B = Goods produced entirely in USMCA territory using non-originating materials that undergo the required tariff classification change; C = Regional Value Content requirement met (35% net cost or 45% transaction value for most goods); D = Wholly obtained in USMCA territory from non-originating materials but meeting specific tariff shift rules; E = Automatic data processing goods and parts; F = Produced entirely in USMCA territory.

Q: Who can sign a USMCA Certificate of Origin?

A USMCA Certificate of Origin can be certified by the importer, exporter, or producer of the goods. Unlike NAFTA, which required the exporter to complete the certificate, USMCA allows any of the three parties to certify. The certifier must have knowledge that the goods qualify as originating and must be able to support the certification with documentation if CBP requests it during a verification.

Q: How long is a USMCA blanket certificate valid?

A USMCA blanket certificate of origin can cover multiple shipments of identical goods for up to 12 months (one calendar year). The blanket period is specified on the certificate. When the blanket period expires, a new certificate must be completed. Importers must have a copy of the certificate on file at the time of importation to claim preferential duty treatment — CBP can require the importer to produce the certificate within 5 business days of a request.

Q: What are the penalties for a false USMCA Certificate of Origin?

Filing a false or inaccurate USMCA Certificate of Origin can result in CBP penalties under 19 U.S.C. § 1592. For negligent violations, penalties can reach 4 times the unpaid duties. For grossly negligent violations, up to 8 times unpaid duties. For fraud, up to the full domestic value of the merchandise. Additionally, the importer may owe all preferential duties that were underpaid, plus interest. CBP conducts USMCA origin verifications and can request records supporting the certificate for 5 years after the date of importation.

USTradeStack

Exporter / Certifier Information

Exporter Name *

Exporter Country *

Exporter Address (optional)

Producer Information If different from exporter

Producer Name (if different from exporter)

Producer Country (optional)

Importer Information

Importer Name *

Importer Country

Product Information

Product Description *

HTS Code (6-10 digit)

Blanket Period End Date (optional)

Origin Criterion AI will determine if unsure

Select the origin criterion that applies, or let AI determine it from your product description.

Wholly obtained or produced in USMCA territory (minerals, agriculture, livestock)

Tariff classification change (most manufactured goods — non-originating inputs change HTS chapter)

Regional Value Content (35% net cost or 45% transaction value for most products)

Wholly obtained in USMCA but with specific tariff shift requirements

ADP goods and parts — automatic data processing equipment

Produced entirely in USMCA territory from originating materials only

✓ USMCA Certificate of Origin Generated

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a USMCA Certificate of Origin? +

A USMCA Certificate of Origin certifies that goods qualify for preferential tariff treatment under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement. Unlike NAFTA, USMCA does not require a specific government form — any format works as long as it includes all required data elements per 19 CFR 182 Annex 5-A. The certificate can be completed by the importer, exporter, or producer and must be available for CBP review within 5 business days of a request.

What are USMCA origin criteria A through F? +

A: Wholly obtained (minerals, agricultural products grown entirely in USMCA territory). B: Tariff classification change — non-originating materials undergo the required HTS chapter/heading shift (most manufactured goods). C: Regional Value Content — 35% net cost or 45% transaction value. D: Wholly obtained in USMCA territory, specific tariff shift rules apply. E: Automatic data processing goods. F: Produced entirely from originating materials.

How long is a USMCA blanket certificate valid? +

A blanket USMCA certificate covers multiple shipments of identical goods for up to 12 months. When it expires, a new certificate must be completed. Importers must have the certificate on file at the time of importation to claim preferential duty treatment.

What are the penalties for a false USMCA certificate? +

Filing a false USMCA certificate can result in CBP penalties under 19 U.S.C. § 1592 ranging from 4× (negligence) to the full domestic value of goods (fraud). CBP can also demand back-payment of all preferential duties plus interest. Always ensure your goods actually qualify before certifying.

Do I need USMCA for every shipment from Mexico or Canada? +

No — USMCA is optional. You only need the certificate if you want to claim preferential (reduced or 0%) duty rates. If the standard MFN duty rate is already 0%, or if the duty savings aren't worth the compliance effort, you can import without claiming USMCA preference.

✓ USMCA Certificate of Origin Generated

Download PDF Certificate

Frequently Asked Questions