What Is Country of Origin?

Country of origin is the country legally attributed to a product under the applicable origin rules.

Country of origin is the country legally attributed to a product under the applicable origin rules. It is not necessarily the country of shipment, seller registration or final packaging.

Country of Origin: what the sourcing record should show
AreaWhat to record
DecisionDetermine origin from the product’s materials and production steps under the rules that apply to the import, tariff program, marking or trade measure.
EvidenceKeep the supplier declaration, bill of materials, manufacturing process, supporting certificates and the rule used for the conclusion.
Watch pointAn unsupported origin claim can change duty, eligibility, marking and trade-remedy treatment. Verify it before customs entry.

When the term matters

Determine origin from the product’s materials and production steps under the rules that apply to the import, tariff program, marking or trade measure.

Checks before approval

Keep the supplier declaration, bill of materials, manufacturing process, supporting certificates and the rule used for the conclusion.

An unsupported origin claim can change duty, eligibility, marking and trade-remedy treatment. Verify it before customs entry.

Related terms

certificate of origin, incoterms, landed cost.