Changes to UK Certificates of Origin printing
Date published:
From the 1 April 2023, UK Certificates of Origin (COs) will be issued on plain paper. The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), the UK authorising body, have taken the decision as Customs authorities worldwide are increasingly looking to verify COs online. 40% of COs issued worldwide are already printed on plain paper. The BCC are also working with the Government to achieve the digital ambition for a paperless border by 2025.
From 1 April all applications must be made through our online platform, which you’ve already been signed up to.
We can still prepare and complete applications for you on the online platform, or where wet stamp certification is required by an importer, bank, or destination country customs authority, although additional fees may apply.
Printed COs have additional security features, such as the QR code allowing anyone with the COs to scan the QR code and see an online version of the certificate so they can check the version they have has not been amended or falsified. Anyone with the CO will also be able to verify the authenticity of the certificate via the ICC verification website.
Important note: the certificate must be printed on quality paper to a standard that is accepted by the relevant Customs authority. If the certificate is refused because the of the standard of the printing or the weight of the paper this is the exporters responsibility.
If you have any questions relating to this change, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our International Trade team at [email protected].