1. Pre-Qualifying your Goods under CUSMA

Specific rules of origin and other requirements have changed, and some sectors have been affected more than others (e.g. automobiles, dairy, agriculture, etc.). You should begin reviewing your imported and exported goods under CUSMA’s Rules of Origin to ensure they still qualify for duty free status

2. Preparing for New Certificates of Origin

Unlike NAFTA, there is no prescribed format or form template for the CUSMA Certificate of Origin. Certificates must, however, contain a set of minimum data elements used to indicate that the product qualifies as originating.

Minimum data elements are detailed in Annex 5-A of Chapter 5 – Origin Procedures of the agreement and include the following:

1. Importer, Exporter, or Producer Certificate of Origin
2. Certifier name and contact information
3. Exporter name and contact information
4. Producer(s) name and contact information
5. Importer name and contact information
6. Description and HS Tariff classification of the good
7. Origin criteria under which the good qualifies
8. Blanket period for multiple shipments of identical goods
9. Authorized signature and date

An importer, exporter, or producer may complete the Certificate of Origin if they have:

• Information and supporting documentation that validate the good is originating; or
• Reasonable reliance on the actual producer/manufacturer’s written representation, such as in a Certificate of Origin, for each product.

The Certificate of Origin may be provided on an invoice or other document. It must describe the originating product with enough detail to enable clear identification, such as a product, part, model, or serial number. A general or generic description will not be accepted.

For your convenience, we have created a downloadable CUSMA Certificate of Origin template (PDF)

3. Obtaining Blanket Certificates

To ensure duty-free status is uninterrupted during the transition, ensure we receive your Blanket CUSMA Certificates of Origin. You may also instruct your vendor to provide them at the time of release.

Please forward all Blanket Certificates to import@pfcollins.com

4. Maintaining Records

While NAFTA rules and regulations no longer apply, you are still required under the Customs Act to maintain records related to your imported/exported goods for a period of six (6) years. Therefore, NAFTA Certificate of Origins and supporting documentation must be kept for any goods for which you have claimed NAFTA preferential treatment.

In addition, to claim duty-free status under CUSMA, you must retain Certificates of Origin and supporting documentation for five (5) years.