As opposed to NAFTA (read USMCA vs NAFTA. Major differences between USMCA and NAFTA in key chapters), USMCA doesn't require a specific format of a certificate of origin. Rather, a minimum set of data elements must be submitted to prove origin. These elements may be on an invoice, or any other document, except a commercial document issued in a non-Party, in accordance with the USMCA Uniform Regulations.
The importer may make a claim for preferential tariff treatment based on a certification of origin completed by the importer*, exporter or producer for the purpose of certifying that a good qualifies as an originating good. Certification of origin can be completed and submitted electronically with an electronic or digital signature and may cover a single importation or multiple importations of identical goods within a maximum 12-month period. The importer is responsible for exercising reasonable care concerning the accuracy of all documentation submitted to CBP.
The nine elements required at a minimum to claim origin under USMCA are:
Importer, Exporter or Producer (indicate which is certifier)
Name and Address of Certifier
Name and Address of Exporter
Name and Address of Producer
Name and Address of Importer (if known)
Description and Harmonized System Tariff Classification of the good to the 6-digit level
Specific Criteria under which the good meets USMCA originating requirements
Blanket Period (certification is valid up to 12 months in the case of multiple shipments of identical goods)
Authorized Signature and Date
A certification is not required for importations valued at $2,500 or less, provided that the importation does not form part of a series of importations that may reasonably be considered to have been undertaken or arranged for the purpose of evading U.S. laws, regulations, or procedures governing claims for preferential tariff treatment.
Record-keeping requirements still need to be met.
Read Chapter 5 - Origin Procedures Here
*A Mexican Importer can't complete a USMCA certification of origin. For Mexico, implementation with respect to a certification of origin by the importer shall be no later than three years and six months after the date of entry into force of USMCA. Meaning a Mexican Importer could complete a certification of origin by January, 2024.
By clicking here or on this post image, you can access and download a form prepared by 4M World Brokers, Inc., that contains the fields and instructions for the nine elements required at a minimum to claim origin under USMCA.
For specific USMCA origin criteria, please refer to Chapter 4 - Rules of Origin. Access Here. As a quick reference and as per Article 4.2: Originating Goods, the Origin Criteria are:
Article 4.2: Originating Goods
Except as otherwise provided in this Chapter, each Party shall provide that a good is originating if it is:
(a) wholly obtained or produced entirely in the territory of one or more of the Parties, as defined in Article 4.3 (Wholly Obtained or Produced Goods);
(b) produced entirely in the territory of one or more of the Parties using non-originating materials provided the good satisfies all applicable requirements of Annex 4-B (Product-Specific Rules of Origin);
(c) produced entirely in the territory of one or more of the Parties exclusively from originating materials; or
(d) except for a good provided for in Chapter 61 to 63 of the Harmonized System:
(i) produced entirely in the territory of one or more of the Parties;
(ii) one or more of the non-originating materials provided for as parts under the Harmonized System used in the production of the good cannot satisfy the requirements set out in Annex 4-B (Product-Specific Rules of Origin) because both the good and its materials are classified in the same subheading or same heading that is not further subdivided into subheadings or, the good was imported into the territory of a Party in an unassembled or a disassembled form but was classified as an assembled good pursuant to rule 2(a) of the General Rules of Interpretation of the Harmonized System; and
(iii) the regional value content of the good, determined in accordance with Article 4.5 (Regional Value Content), is not less than 60 percent if the transaction value method is used, or not less than 50 percent if the net cost method is used;
and the good satisfies all other applicable requirements of this Chapter.
For more information, please refer to the official USMCA Texts from the official sources:
4M World Brokers, Inc.
Download USMCA Certification of Origin Forms: