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United Kingdom Certificates of Origin

A UK Certificate of Origin is issued for goods that are being sold and permanently exported to non-Arab countries as well as Egypt and Iran.

In addition to these certificates, LCCI can process any other commercial document required for international trade, either alongside your Certificate of Origin or as a separate document.

What documents do LCCI process?

  • UK Certificates of Origin
  • Invoices and packing lists
  • Egyptian Certificates of Origin. These are processed using standard UK Certificate forms
  • Any other commercial or legal documents required for international trade such as: Power of Attorney, Distributor Agreement, Health Certificate, Certificate of Free Sale, Trademark Certificate, Commercial Contract, Article of Association, Certificate of Incorporation etc.

Requirements for commercial documentation

  • Commercial documents can only be processed if they have been originally signed, with a specimen signature on the company Formal Undertaking held by LCCI
  • Any documents issued by UK Government, that do not bear a physical signature, will need to be countersigned by an authorised signatory of the company whose specimen signature is on the Formal Undertaking
  • Please note that we can only certify or legalize original documents.
  • Copies can also be processed, provided that they have been certified as “a true copy of the original document” by a Notary Public, Solicitor or an authorised signatory of the company whose signature is on the Formal Undertaking.

Processing options

  • Certification: documents are processed by LCCI usually within 24 hours (electronic or post) or while you wait (counter service)
  • Notarisation: document is endorsed by a Notary Public who will either affix a seal to the document or attach a cover letter to it
  • Foreign and Commonwealth Office Apostille
  • Legalisation: once the documents have been certified by LCCI, they can be taken to the embassy for legalisation. LCCI can take care of the whole process or, alternatively, the applicant can take documents to the embassy in person
  • Documents requiring Egyptian legalisation can only be submitted via LCCI.

Embassies will only legalise original documents bearing original wet stamps and signatures. 

Certificates of Origin issued online and requiring embassy legalisation must be submitted as “Chamber Printed”. These can also be prepared manually and submitted over the counter or by post. Invoices and other documents requiring embassy legalisation must be submitted manually over the counter or by post.

What documents do I need to supply as backup?

  • Commercial Invoice and packing list
  • If the goods are of foreign origin, we also require commercial documentary proof such as a copy of the Certificate of Origin provided by the manufacturer, a Manufacturer’s Commercial Invoice or a Suppliers Declaration. 
  • If applying manually (counter or post), provide a cover letter specifying what needs to be done, payment (if applicable) and contact details in case of a query. Also, if the document (other than a CO) is to be Certified we will require an extra copy of the document. If the document is to be legalised we will require three copies of the document.

Please note that we are unable to make any photocopies for the customers.  

  • Cost of UK Certificate of Origin

    Click the link below to view the full price list. LCCI Members receive up to 50% discounts on standard prices. Please contact the Trade Documents team to confirm the exact cost of processing your documents when embassy legalization is required (except for Egyptian charges, which are already shown on our Price List).

How to apply electronically

New Customers

STEP 1
We have three offices in London where you can get your documents processed. Please download and complete the formal undertaking for the office you would like to use: 

STEP 2
Please email the completed formal undertaking to formalundertaking@londonchamber.co.uk and register@esscert.com.                                                                   
STEP 3
LCCI will set up your account on esscert.com. This a third-party site which is provided and managed by LCCI. You will receive an email from LCCI with your account details and further information to start submitting your online applications.

STEP 4
Login to your account and submit your DIY or Chamber Printed applications. All applications are reviewed and certified by LCCI Trade Documentation Officers.

Existing Customers

STEP 1
Login to your account and submit your DIY or Chamber Printed applications. All applications are reviewed and certified by LCCI Trade Documentation Officers.

STEP 2
The Formal Undertaking needs to be renewed every year. If your Formal Undertaking has expired, you can still submit online applications but they will only be processed once your Formal Undertaking has been renewed. You can check the status and renew your Formal Undertaking on your online account.

CONSIDERATIONS

  • Any documents that need to be legalised by the Egyptian consulate will need to be paid upfront.
  • As of September 2023, all UK Certificates of Origin applications are printed in plain paper, the old blank official CO forms are no longer in use.
  • DIY applications can now be printed in your office using a colour printer and plain paper, there is no need to purchase blank official CO forms anymore.
  • Chamber Printed applications are now exclusive for countries where no electronic signatures are accepted.
  • Turn around: 24 hours for DIY applications and 48 hours for Chamber Printed applications (Mon-Fri)
  • Chamber Printed applications are sent via standard trackable courier service, unless Royal Mail special delivery service is requested by the applicant.
  • Find more information and resources on our UK Trading Guide.

FAQs

How long will it take?

The UK Certificates are processed while you wait when submitted over the counter. Electronically we will usually process them within 24 hours (DIY service). Postal applications are usually processed and posted within 24 hours.

Is there a difference between UK and Arab Certificates of Origin?

Yes. Arab Certificates of Origin cover Arab League States and United Kingdom the rest of the world (please note that Egypt, Iran and Turkey use UK Certificates of Origin).

Can I have UK Certificate for an Arab destination?

Yes, as long as you submit a signed Letter of Indemnity on your company headed paper with your application. You must confirm with your client whether a UK Certificate of Origin will be sufficient for their needs (as Arab CO should be used for Arab League destinations). It is advisable that you obtain any such confirmation in writing to minimize any disputes (with your client) if the goods fail to clear Customs at the destination.

View Price Guide
Can the documents be dealt with the post?

Yes. Postal applications (unless otherwise advised) are returned by 1st class post. Please note that, as we cannot take responsibility for any items lost in the postal system, it is strongly advised that the applicant uses the Special Post Delivery Service (cost of this service is currently £6.90 per batch).

Do I have to provide extra copies of the document for processing?

 Yes – if the document (other than a C/O) is to be Certified we will require an extra copy of the document. If the document is to be legalised (i.e. by an embassy) we will require three copies of the document. Please note that we are unable to make any photocopies for the customers.

Which certificate should I use for exports to Iran?

You will have to use a UK Certificate of Origin for Iran (as they are not part of Arab League of States).

Can I have UK Certificate legalised by an Arab League Embassy?

No, you will have to use an Arab Certificate of Origin.

Which certificate should I use for export to Egypt?

You must use a UK Certificate of Origin for Egypt. Certificate of Origin must be legalized by the Egyptian embassy (refer to our Price List for costs). Invoice should be certified by the LCCI only (please refer to our Price List Price List for costs). Please note that any exporters to Egypt should register their goods and factories with the Egyptian General Organization for Export & Import Control www.goeic.gov.eg

Decrees relating to export regulations for Egypt are as follows: Decree No. 991: 30 December 2015 (Products subject to registration), Decree No. 202: 17 November 2015 (Export Documentation) and Decree No. 43: 16 January 2016 (Registration of factories)

When applying to the Chamber for a Certificate of Origin, can you please advise what documents I need to include as back up?

A Commercial Invoice must always be submitted with a Certificate of Origin. A C/O is basically a Certificate of Manufacture. When you tell us the goods are of UK Origin, we simply need the full name and address of the manufacturer to be shown on the back of the pink Application Page. If the goods are of foreign origin, we still require the full names and addresses as above, but we also require commercial documentary proof such as a copy of the Certificate of Origin provided by the manufacturer, a Manufacturer’s Commercial Invoice or a Suppliers Declaration.

Please ensure that the pink Application Form, and any other document requiring certification or legalization, is signed by the Authorized Signatory of the company whose signature is on the Formal Undertaking before submitting documents to LCCI for processing.

Any documents submitted to us for processing will need to be accompanied by cover letter specifying what needs to be done, payment (if we’re also processing your invoice or other documents) and contact details in case of a query.

Where do I get my UK Certificate of Origin and other documentation processed?

London Chamber of Commerce and Industry
33 Queen Street, London EC4R 1AP
10.00am - 4.00pm Monday to Fridays

Cut-off time for document processing
C/Os - 3.45pm
Carnets regular3.45pm
Carnet express 3.00pm
Other3.45pm

Contact details
C/Os: T: +44 (0)20 7248 4444 edocuments@londonchamber.co.uk
Carnets: T:+44 (0)20 7248 4444 ecarnet@londonchamber.co.uk

Barking Branch Office
12 Town Quay Wharf
Abbey Road
Barking
Essex IG11 7BZ

9:00am - 5.00pm
Monday and Tuesday

Cut-off time for document processing
Times vary - please contact Barking Branch Office

Contact details
T: +44 (0)20 7248 4444

Hounslow Branch Office
Unit 20 Bellview Court
183 Hanworth Road
Hounslow TW3 3TQ

10.00am - 12.30pm
1.30pm - 4.00pm
Tuesday to Friday

Cut-off time for document processing
Times vary - please contact Hounslow Branch Office

Contact details
T: +44 (0)20 7248 4444
F:+44 (0)20 8814 1563

*Any applications received outside of the working hours or weekends will be counted as having been submitted on the next working day

Do the Certificates of Origin have to be signed by the company?

Yes. Pink Application copy must be signed and dated by an authorised signatory of the company whose signature is on the Formal Undertaking held by the Chamber.

Can I get extra copies of the UK certificates certified?

Yes, however, you will need to buy additional copies from LCCI and have them issued at the same time as the originals. We will not be able to process your document if the Formal undertaking is out of date or if we do not hold the relevant signature on the file.

My documents were produced in the British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Jersey or Guernsey. Can they be processed by LCCI or legalised in the UK?

Yes, however, they will need to be apostilled by the BVI / Cayman Island Governor or Guernsey / Jersey Bailiwick first and then by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in London.

I would like to be able to check import duty rates applicable to my customers overseas. Is there anywhere I could try?

There are two websites that you can use:

  • UK Trade Tariff
  • The World Customs Organisation (WCO) website (On the home page, select “About us” from the left hand side and then “National Customs Website”. Select your country and it will take you into the tariff pages. Please note that we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the data or that the relevant websites will work.
How to complete UK Certificate of Origin

Click here for the guidance notes:

UK Certificate of Origin applications for overseas exporters

Click on the below link for further information on UK Certificate of Origin applications for overseas exporters.

More Information on UK Certificate of Origin
Requirements if using an agent to complete and submit your documentation

Click on the below link for further information on Agent authorisation requirements.

Agent authorisation requirements
UK certificate template

Click on the below link for the template UK certificate template for manual applications only.

See here the template
Can LCCI help me with lodging an export declaration (customs entry)

Yes, we have an in-house team that can lodge declarations on your behalf,

More Information on Customs Declarations

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