USMCA Certificate of Origin Process

USMCA Certificate of Origin is the document supporting USMCA preference claims. Issued by importer, exporter, or producer. Required fields include certifier identification, exporter, producer, importer, description of goods, HS classification, origin criterion, and certifier signature. Can be single-shipment or blanket period (up to 12 months).

This guide covers USMCA Certificate of Origin Process. USMCA (called CUSMA in Canada) provides preferential tariff treatment for goods qualifying under specific rules of origin among the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

In 2026, USMCA-qualifying goods are also exempt from Section 122 – making qualification work directly value-creative for cross-border trade.

Who can certify

Any of three parties: importer, exporter, or producer. Each has different documentation requirements; producer is generally most authoritative.

Required fields

Certifier ID, exporter name and address, producer (if different), importer, description of goods, HS code (6-digit minimum), origin criterion (A/B/C/D), country of origin (typically blank or shows producing country), certifier signature and date.

Single-shipment vs blanket period

Single-shipment Certificate covers one entry. Blanket period covers up to 12 months of identical goods. Blanket is operationally simpler for repeat shipments.

Retention requirements

5 years from date of importation for U.S. CBP purposes; 6 years for Canadian CBSA purposes. Documentation must be available for verification audits.

Frequently asked questions

How does USMCA differ from NAFTA?

USMCA replaced NAFTA in July 2020. Key differences include stricter auto rules of origin (75% RVC vs 62.5%), Labor Value Content rules, and updated rules for digital trade, IP, and dispute settlement.

When does USMCA come up for review?

The 2026 review is now narrowly scoped to U.S.-Mexico production and non-market inputs. The agreement continues; specific provisions may be updated.

Are USMCA goods exempt from Section 122?

Yes. USMCA-qualifying goods are exempt from the Section 122 surcharge. This is the central commercial advantage in 2026.

How do I know if my product qualifies?

USMCA qualification depends on rules of origin specific to your HS classification. We run RVC stress-tests as a fixed-fee engagement.

What does USMCA qualification work cost?

Per-product RVC stress-test: $4,500-$8,500. Multi-product engagements priced by SKU count.