Certificate of Origin (CO): What African Importers Need to Know

A Certificate of Origin (CO) certifies where goods were manufactured. It is requested by customs in many African countries for duty assessment, import licensing and trade agreement benefits - especially for steel, machinery and consumer goods from China.

• Customs clearance: Many African ports request the CO to verify origin and apply duty rates.
• Preferential duty: Under agreements like AGOA or regional protocols, a CO can lower import duties.
• Letter of Credit: LC terms often require the CO as a shipping document.

CO FAQ

Q: How long does it take to get a CO in China?

A: 1-2 working days after receiving invoice, packing list and supplier details.

Q: Can SPEED INT'L issue the CO?

A: Yes - we handle CO issuance through the Chamber of Commerce as part of our export documentation service.