Understanding the USMCA including a template for Certificate of Origin

Lets start with this disclamer: I am offering a summary of my own research and preparation to meet the USMCA classification. I am not an expert or giving any legal advise. Please do you own due diligence for your company. thank you!

Here is the template.  See below for a summary of what its all about! 

You must have all heard about the USMCA aggreement that allows makers t shiop goods tarriff free. There are some rules as per what qualifies and once you figure out if your products qualify you are required to send in a "Cerificate of Origin' when you ship the goods to USA. 

 OK so I personnaly never had to deal with creating a certification of origin in the past and am now scrambling to understand what's what starting august 2025. Also most important I am looking to find this 'form' I can fill out. Turns out there is no 'official form' only these 9 points that must be put into a document to proove that your products meets the USMCA agreement.

So here are the relevant info I have found on the *Custom border website.

* https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/services/cusma-aceum/cog-com-eng.html#_s3

Key Requirements for a USMCA:

The certification must include nine minimum data elements, outlined in Annex 5-A of the CUSMA Agreement:

1-Certifier's Name and Address: The name, address (including country), telephone, and email of the person certifying the origin.

2-Exporter's Name and Address: The exporter's name and address.

3-Producer's Name and Address: The producer's name and address. This can be listed as "Various" or "Available to Customs Upon Request" for confidentiality.

4-Importer's Name and Address: The importer's name and address.

5-Description of the Good: The description of the goods being shipped.

6-HS Classification: The Harmonized System (HS) classification of the goods, to the first six digits.

7-Origin Criterion: The rule of origin under which the good qualifies (A for wholly obtained, B for goods produced from non-originating materials that meet specific rules).

8-Blanket Period: A period (up to 12 months) for which the certification is valid, if applicable.

9-Signed Statement: A statement confirming the goods are originating, the information is true and accurate, and that the certifier takes responsibility for the representation.

Who Can Certify?  The certification can be completed and signed by the exporter, the producer, or the importer.

I hope this helps!

Cheers, Sophie