Certificates of Origin

Certificates of Origin (COO) are important intenational trade documents that certify that goods in a particular export shipment are wholly obtained, produced, manufactured, or processed in a specific country. The COO is used to determine the origin of goods and can affect the tariffs and duties applied to the shipment.

In Kenya, there are several types of Certificates of Origin used in international trade to certify the origin of goods. These include:

1. Ordinary / Non-Preferential Certificate of Origin

It is an important document used in international trade to certify that goods in a particular export shipment are wholly obtained, produced, manufactured, or processed in Kenya. This certificate is issued by the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) and is widely accepted by customs authorities worldwide

To obtain an Ordinary Certificate of Origin in Kenya, exporters typically need to follow these steps:

1. Application: Submit an application to the KNCCI, providing details about the goods, their origin, and the destination country.
2. Verification: The KNCCI verifies the information provided to ensure that the goods meet the criteria for being classified as originating from Kenya.
3. Issuance: Once verified, the KNCCI issues the certificate, which can then be used for customs clearance and to facilitate trade.

This certificate helps in reducing the risk of border delays and disputes by confirming that the products meet the regulations of the importing count.

1. Preferential Certificate of Origin

 It is used to certify that goods qualify for preferential tariff treatment under various trade agreements. This certificate is essential for exporters who want to benefit from reduced tariffs or duty-free access to certain markets. Here are some key types of Preferential Certificates of Origin in Kenya:

• Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) Certificate of Origin is issued by the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA). This certificate is used to certify that goods traded within the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) regions meet the rules and regulations stipulated under the COMESA trade agreement

                To obtain a COMESA Certificate of Origin, exporters need to:

1. Register: Ensure your company is registered with the KRA and obtain a unique registration number.
2. Apply: to the KRA's Rules of Origin Section, including necessary documents such as the company PIN certificate, KRA payment authorization slip, and a typed certificate of origin form.
3. Verification: The KRA verifies the information provided to ensure the goods meet the origin criteria.
4. Issuance: Once verified, the KRA issues the certificate, which can then be used for customs clearance and to benefit from preferential tariff treatment

This process helps facilitate trade within the COMESA region by ensuring goods meet the required rules and regulations.

• East African Community (EAC) Certificate of Origin: For goods traded within the East African Community (EAC). This certificate is used to certify that goods originate from one of the EAC member states and qualify for preferential treatment under the EAC trade agreement. KRA issues the EAC certificate of origin

                To obtain an EAC Certificate of Origin from the KRA, exporters need to:

1. Register: Ensure your company is registered with the KRA and obtain a unique registration number.
2. Apply: To the KRA's Rules of Origin Section, including necessary documents such as the company PIN certificate, KRA payment authorization slip, and a typed certificate of origin form
3. Verification: The KRA verifies the information provided to ensure the goods meet the rules and regulations.
4. Issuance: Once verified, the KRA issues the certificate, which can then be used for customs clearance and to benefit from preferential tariff treatment

This process helps facilitate trade within the EAC region by ensuring goods meet the required origin criteria.

• European Union Economic Partnership Agreement (EU-EPA) Certificate of Origin in Kenya is issued by KRA, and it is used to certify that goods exported to the European Union qualify for preferential tariff treatment under the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) between Kenya and the EU. This certificate helps Kenyan exporters access the EU market with reduced tariffs or duty-free benefits. this 

             To obtain an EU-EPA Certificate of Origin, exporters need to follow these steps:

1. Registration: Ensure your company is registered with the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) and obtain a unique registration number.
2. Application: Submit an application to the KRA's Rules of Origin Section, including necessary documents such as the company PIN certificate, KRA payment authorization slip, and a typed certificate of origin form
3. Verification: The KRA verifies the information provided to ensure the goods meet the rules and regulations stipulated under the EPA.
4. Issuance: Once verified, the KRA issues the certificate, which can then be used for customs clearance and to benefit from preferential tariff treatment

This process helps facilitate trade between Kenya and the EU by ensuring goods meet the required origin criteria.

• African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) Certificate of Origin is issued by The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA). This certificate is crucial for exporters who want to benefit from the trade preferences under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). You can obtain these certificates at various KRA stations, including Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, and Eldoret. For goods exported to the United States under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). This certificate allows eligible products from Kenya to enter the US market duty-free.

To acquire the AGOA COO exporters need to follow these steps:

1. Registration: Ensure your company is registered with the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA). You will need to submit a written application on the Exporter's Registration Form to the Commissioner of Customs Services Department. Attach certified copies of the following documents:

• Certificate of incorporation
• PIN certificate
• VAT registration certificate or letter of exemption
• Export license from the Horticultural Crops Directorate (if applicable)

1. Verification of Origin: The KRA will conduct a verification of your manufacturing plant to ensure that your goods meet the origin criteria stipulated under the AGOA trade arrangement. This step is crucial for manufactured goods.
2. Payment: Once your application is approved, you will need to make the necessary payments for the certificates required.
3. Issuance of Certificate: After completing the above steps, the KRA will issue the AGOA Certificate of Origin for your goods. This certificate is necessary for claiming trade preferences under AGOA when exporting to the United States.

• African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is issued by the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement. Exporters need to apply through the KRA, providing necessary documentation and ensuring their goods meet the rules of origin criteria specified under the AfCFTA agreement.

To apply for a Certificate of Origin (COO) under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) in Kenya, follow these steps:

1. Registration: Ensure your business is registered with the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) and that you have all necessary documentation, such as your business registration certificate and tax compliance certificate.
2. Application: Submit an application for the AfCFTA Certificate of Origin through the KRA's online portal or at designated KRA offices. You will need to provide details about the goods being exported, including their origin and the manufacturing process.
3. Verification: The KRA will verify that your goods meet the rules of origin criteria specified under the AfCFTA agreement. This may involve an inspection of your manufacturing facilities and a review of your production records.
4. Issuance: Once your application is approved and the verification process is complete, the KRA will issue the AfCFTA Certificate of Origin. This certificate will enable your goods to benefit from preferential tariff treatment when exported to other AfCFTA member countries

• Generalized System of Preference (GSP) is issued by the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA). This certificate is used for goods exported under the GSP scheme, which allows certain products from developing countries to enter developed countries at reduced or zero tariffs.

             To apply for a GSP Certificate of Origin, follow these steps:

1. Registration: Ensure your business is registered with the KRA and that you have all necessary documentation, such as your business registration certificate and tax compliance certificate.
2. Application: Submit an application for the GSP Certificate of Origin through the KRA's online portal or at designated KRA offices. You will need to provide details about the goods being exported, including their origin and the manufacturing process.
3. Verification: The KRA will verify that your goods meet the rules of origin criteria specified under the GSP scheme. This may involve an inspection of your manufacturing facilities and a review of your production records.
4. Issuance: Once your application is approved and the verification process is complete, the KRA will issue the GSP Certificate of Origin. This certificate will enable your goods to benefit from preferential tariff treatment when exported to GSP beneficiary countries.

1. Electronic Certificate of Origin (eCO)

These are digital versions of the traditional paper certificates, which can be processed and verified electronically, offering faster processing times and reducing the risk of document fraud. These are usually issued by the respective organizations that issue the COO.