USMCA Certificate of Origin Template: 9 Required Data Elements

USMCA replaced NAFTA's CBP Form 434 with a flexible self-certification framework. Article 5.2 of USMCA requires 9 specific data elements but allows the certification to be in any format. For mid-market importers and Tier-1 supplier exporters, this means a single template can serve any USMCA-eligible shipment with minor field customization.

This guide enumerates the 9 required elements, explains each, provides format guidance, and links to a downloadable template that satisfies CBP, Canadian CBSA, and Mexican SAT requirements.

The 9 required data elements per USMCA Article 5.2

1. Certifier. Indicate whether the certification is being issued by the importer, the exporter, or the producer. Choose one. Self-certification is allowed for all three.

2. Certifier name, title, address, telephone, email. The party issuing and signing the certification.

3. Exporter name and address (if different from certifier). The party shipping the goods from the originating territory.

4. Producer name and address (if different from certifier or exporter). The party that physically manufactured the goods. If multiple producers, may state "various" with documentation retained.

5. Importer name and address (if different from certifier). The party receiving the goods at the destination.

6. Description of the goods. Plain-language description and the HS code at 6-digit specificity. More specific HS recommended.

7. Origin criterion. Letter code A through E specifying which qualifying basis applies:

• A: Wholly obtained or produced entirely in the territory of one or more USMCA parties.
• B: Produced entirely in USMCA territory using non-originating materials, satisfying the product-specific rule of origin.
• C: Produced entirely in USMCA territory exclusively from originating materials.
• D: Used in production that becomes a textile good covered by Annex 3-B (textile and apparel chapter).
• E: Used in production of a good that is treated as an originating good through the de minimis provision.

8. Blanket period (optional). If the certification covers multiple shipments, the period (cannot exceed 12 months).

9. Authorized signature with date. Including the certifier's signature, printed name, and date.

Recommended template structure

USMCA CERTIFICATION OF ORIGIN

Issued under USMCA Article 5.2

1. Certifier: [ ] Importer  [ ] Exporter  [ ] Producer

2. Certifier:
   Name:
   Title:
   Company:
   Address:
   Telephone:
   Email:

3. Exporter (if different from certifier):
   Name:
   Address:

4. Producer (if different):
   Name:
   Address:
   (or: "Various" with records retained)

5. Importer (if different):
   Name:
   Address:

6. Description and Classification:
   Description of Goods:
   HS Tariff Classification (6+ digits):

7. Origin Criterion:
   [ ] A (wholly obtained)
   [ ] B (PSR satisfied)
   [ ] C (only originating materials)
   [ ] D (textile under Annex 3-B)
   [ ] E (de minimis)

8. Blanket Period (optional):
   From: ______ To: ______

9. Certification:
   I certify that the goods described above qualify as originating
   and the information contained in this document is true and
   accurate. I assume responsibility for proving such representations.

   Signature: _______________________
   Print Name: ______________________
   Date: ___________________________

Worked example: producer certification for Mexican-assembled inverter

A Mexican producer issuing a producer certification for HTS 8504.40 inverters to a US importer.

USMCA CERTIFICATION OF ORIGIN

1. Certifier: [X] Producer

2. Certifier:
   Name: Maria Lopez
   Title: Trade Compliance Manager
   Company: Industrial Inverters de Mexico SA de CV
   Address: Av Industrial 1234, Apodaca, Nuevo Leon 66600, Mexico
   Telephone: +52 81 1234 5678
   Email: trade@inv-mex.com.mx

3. Exporter: (same as certifier)

4. Producer: (same as certifier)

5. Importer:
   Name: US Solar Distributors LLC
   Address: 1500 Industrial Drive, Phoenix, AZ 85008, USA

6. Description and Classification:
   Description: 10 kW solar inverter, HTS 8504.40, model IM-10K-USMCA
   HS Classification: 8504.40

7. Origin Criterion: [X] B
   (Produced entirely in USMCA territory satisfying the chapter 85 product-specific rule of origin via 60 percent transaction value RVC)

8. Blanket Period: From January 1 2026 To December 31 2026

9. Certification:
   I certify that the goods described above qualify as originating
   and the information contained in this document is true and accurate.

   Signature: Maria Lopez (electronic signature on file)
   Print Name: Maria Lopez
   Date: January 5 2026

Common errors

1. Missing or wrong HS code. Six-digit is minimum. Using a 4-digit HS code does not satisfy the requirement.

2. Wrong origin criterion. A "wholly obtained" criterion claimed for a product that actually uses any non-originating materials is incorrect. Use B (PSR satisfied) when there are non-originating materials, regardless of how small.

3. Producer "various" without records. The producer must be identified or documented. Using "various" without supporting documentation for each shipment can fail verification.

4. Blanket period too long. Maximum 12 months. Multi-year blanket certifications are not USMCA-compliant.

5. Signature missing or by unauthorized person. The certifier must have authority to certify on behalf of the certifying party. Most companies designate the trade compliance manager or VP of operations.

6. Wrong language. English, Spanish, or French (any of the three USMCA-party languages) are acceptable. The certification can be in any of these.

What backs the certification

The certifying party must hold records that prove the goods qualify:

• Per-shipment bill of materials with HS line and origin of each non-originating input.
• Proof of value for the RVC calculation (transaction value method) or proof of cost (net cost method).
• Producer-level records for inputs that were treated as originating (their own USMCA certifications from upstream suppliers).
• For tariff-shift cases, documentation that the non-originating materials are from outside the tariff-shift-excluded headings.

Records retained 5 years from import date.

Download a free USMCA certification template

Coming soon: a free downloadable Word and Excel template that includes all 9 required elements with worked examples for each origin criterion. Join the updates list to be notified.

In the interim, structure the certification per the template above. Each USMCA party (CBP, CBSA, SAT) accepts the same format.

Run your USMCA qualification analysis now

The LandedFees calculator runs the chapter-specific USMCA rule of origin for any product BOM and origin mix, returns the qualification status, identifies the binding factor (tariff shift vs RVC threshold), and recommends re-sourcing options if the product fails.

Run a USMCA qualification check

Citations

• USMCA Article 5.2 (certification requirements): https://ustr.gov/sites/default/files/files/agreements/FTA/USMCA/Text/05_Origin_Procedures.pdf
• USMCA Article 5.1 (claim for preferential treatment)
• CBP USMCA implementation guidance: https://www.cbp.gov/trade/priority-issues/trade-agreements/free-trade-agreements/USMCA
• 19 CFR 182 (USMCA regulations): https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-19/chapter-I/part-182
• Canada CBSA USMCA guidance: https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/trade-commerce/cusma-aceum/menu-eng.html
• Mexico SAT USMCA implementation: https://www.gob.mx/cms/uploads/attachment/file/703055/USMCA-Mexico-Guidance.pdf