Certificates of Origin

Helping Rotorua Businesses Trade Globally

If you are exporting goods overseas, you may need a Certificate of Origin to confirm where your products were made. These documents are an important part of international trade, helping businesses meet customs requirements and access tariff benefits under Free Trade Agreements.

What is a Certificate of Origin

A Certificate of Origin is an official document used in international trade that confirms the country of origin of your goods. It provides assurance to your buyer and the importing country's authorities that your products meet origin requirements. This is often essential for customs clearance and may help reduce or remove import duties under Free Trade Agreements.

The Rotorua Business Chamber is authorised to issue a range of export documents through the essCert platform including:

• Free Trade Agreement (FTA) Certificates of Origin
• Standard (non-preferential) Certificates of Origin
• Certificates of Free Sale
• Certificates of Manufacture

How to Apply

All certifications are processed through essCert, a secure online portal for submitting and approving export documents.

Step 1: Register with essCert
To begin, register at www.esscert.com. If you are applying for a non-preferential certificate, please download and complete one of the templates below and upload it through the portal.

Once registered, we will contact you to guide you through the next steps and assist with your application if needed.

Free Trade Agreements

Many countries that have a Free Trade Agreement with New Zealand allow duty-free or reduced-tariff access when a valid Certificate of Origin is presented. To qualify, your goods must meet the specific Rules of Origin outlined in the agreement.

Self-Certification of Origin

Some trade agreements allow New Zealand exporters to self-certify the origin of their goods. This applies to agreements with:

• Korea (KNZFTA)
• Taiwan (ANZTEC)
• CPTPP countries
• United Kingdom (NZ UK FTA)

While self-certification offers more flexibility, exporters are responsible for ensuring their declarations are accurate and meet the relevant rules. Incorrect declarations may result in delays, fines, or penalties.

Wet Stamped Certificates

Some countries still require a physically stamped certificate, known as a wet-stamped document. These are only needed for specific destinations.

Countries that may require wet-stamped certificates
Algeria, Bahrain, Cuba, Egypt, Ethiopia, Guatemala, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Peru, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, Yemen.

• These countries may accept digital certificates, but some importers may still request a physical version. Please check with your importer before applying.

To request a wet-stamped certificate, email your completed forms to admin@rotoruachamber.co.nz or deliver them to the Rotorua Business Chamber at 1192 Hinemoa Street, Rotorua.

Documents can be collected or returned via overnight courier upon request.

Need Help

Our team is here to support you with the process and ensure your documents meet all requirements.

Email admin@rotoruachamber.co.nz or phone 07 346 3657