Who is required to sign a certificate of origin?

The requirement for the exporter or their agent to sign a certificate of origin stems from the function of the document itself. A certificate of origin is crucial in international trade as it certifies the country of origin of the goods being shipped. This can affect tariffs, trade agreements, and compliance with regulations in the importing country.

By signing the certificate, the exporter or their agent attests to the accuracy of the information provided about the goods' origin. This signature gives assurance not just to customs authorities but also to the importer that the goods meet the necessary qualifications for any preferential treatment under trade agreements or laws.

The role of the customs officer is generally not to sign the certificate but to verify the information during the process of customs clearance. Similarly, the shipping company may handle the logistics but does not provide verification of origin. The importer may play a role in the transaction but does not sign the document that certifies the origin of goods they are receiving.