Arab-British Certificate of Origin Completion Guide

Guide to completing Arab-British Certificates of Origin

The Certificate of Origin comprises a three part set as follows:

• The Original Certificate (white coloured sheet printed in green)
• The Copy Certificate (green coloured)
• The Certificate Application (blue coloured) for retention by the Chamber

Instructions for the completion of the Arab-British Certificate of Origin forms are printed on the reverse of the blue Certificate Application copy.  The following points amplify these rules:

• Certification/Legalisation will not be carried out unless the complete three-part set is submitted
• The Certificate of Origin set must be completed in typescript or print – each copy identical to the others – in English, Arabic or French.  Certificates completed in Arabic or French must be accompanied by an English translation.
• The documents submitted must not contain erasures or superimposed corrections
• Alterations may only be made by crossing out entries as necessary.  Any such alterations must be initialled by the person making them and will be authenticated by the A-BCC

• A horizontal line must be drawn immediately below the final entry in Box 6 to prevent subsequent additions

Obtaining a blank Certificate of Origin form (copy)

If an exporter requires certified/legalised copies of the Arab-British Certificates of Origin, separate copies which are single sheets of white paper printed in green, must be used. These can be purchased from us.

Guidelines for completing the copy Arab-British Certificate of Origin form

It is strongly recommended that copies are submitted with the original set of Arab-British Certificate of Origin forms, this will ensure a reduced fee. 

In the event of copies being submitted subsequently for certification, then the original document fee will be payable.  The original Certificate of Origin form, or a photocopy of it showing the A-BCC stamp, is required as a back up and the serial number of the original Certificate of Origin must be entered on copies.

Photocopies of the Certificate of Origin can not be certified.

How to submit an invoice

The following conditions should be met when submitting invoices for certification/legalisation:

• The invoice should be an original.  Any copies required should be submitted at the same time.
• Two extra copies are required to act as the control and application copies (photocopies are acceptable)
• The full name and address of the Arab consignee at the final destination should appear on the invoice
• In all cases, the signature of the applicant on the document must meet the requirements of the country of final destination. (N.B. In case of doubt, a hand-written original signature is recommended)
• When invoices are not presented with a Certificate of Origin form, the country of origin and full name and address of the manufacturer are required
• Where an agent signs an invoice, the signature must be followed by the full name of the signatory, their status as agent and the address of the agent.

How to submit Other Documents (O/Ds)

Other Documents refers to all commercial documents other than Certificates of Origin and invoices.

• All O/Ds must be originals
• As with Certificates of Origin and invoices, two extra copies are required to act as the control and application copies (photocopies are acceptable)
• All O/Ds must show the country of final destination
• The document for certification/legalisation must bear the original signature of an authorised signatory of the company which originated the document and must be currently dated
• Where an agent signs an invoice, the signature must be followed by the full name of the signatory, their status as agent and the address of the agent
• O/Ds originating from a foreign source must show the name and address of the UK agent or representative.  These must be signed by an authorised signatory of the UK agent or representative and be currently dated 
• If the O/D relates to a particular consignment, it should be submitted with the related Certificate of Origin and/or invoice

You can apply now for Certificates of Origin and invoices online using our secure certification system. Contact one of our specialists on +44 (0)7827 318692 or email for further information.