1 / 3
News Flash
    1/3New Report Reveals Economic Disparities Across LondonRead more
    2/3LCCI welcomes Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) reportRead more
    3/3Read the latest London Business Matters MagazineRead more
London Chamber of Commerce and IndustryLondon Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Log in
Join LCCI
Contact Us
Trade Documentation

United Kingdom Certificates of Origin

A UK Certificate of Origin is issued for goods that are being sold and permanently exported to non-Arab countries as well as Egypt and Iran.

In addition to these certificates, LCCI can process any other commercial document required for international trade, either alongside your Certificate of Origin or as a separate document.

Certificates of Origin document

What documents do LCCI process?

  • UK Certificates of Origin
  • Invoices and packing lists
  • Egyptian Certificates of Origin. These are processed using standard UK Certificate forms
  • Any other commercial or legal documents required for international trade such as: Power of Attorney, Distributor Agreement, Health Certificate, Certificate of Free Sale, Trademark Certificate, Commercial Contract, Article of Association, Certificate of Incorporation etc.
Webinar infopanel

Requirements for commercial documentation

  • Commercial documents can only be processed if they have been originally signed, with a specimen signature on the company Formal Undertaking held by LCCI
  • Any documents issued by UK Government, that do not bear a physical signature, will need to be countersigned by an authorised signatory of the company whose specimen signature is on the Formal Undertaking
  • Please note that we can only certify or legalize original documents.
  • Copies can also be processed, provided that they have been certified as “a true copy of the original document” by a Notary Public, Solicitor or an authorised signatory of the company whose signature is on the Formal Undertaking.
Document Infopanel

Processing Options

Options

Options

  • Certification: documents are processed by LCCI usually within 24 hours (electronic or post) or while you wait (counter service)
  • Notarisation: document is endorsed by a Notary Public who will either affix a seal to the document or attach a cover letter to it
  • Foreign and Commonwealth Office Apostille
  • Legalisation: once the documents have been certified by LCCI, they can be taken to the embassy for legalisation. LCCI can take care of the whole process or, alternatively, the applicant can take documents to the embassy in person
  • Documents requiring Egyptian legalisation can only be submitted via LCCI.
Embassies

Embassies

Embassies will only legalise original documents bearing original wet stamps and signatures. 

Certificates of Origin issued online and requiring embassy legalisation must be submitted as “Chamber Printed”. These can also be prepared manually and submitted over the counter or by post. Invoices and other documents requiring embassy legalisation must be submitted manually over the counter or by post.

 

 

 

 

What documents do I need to supply as backup?

  • Commercial Invoice and packing list
  • If the goods are of foreign origin, we also require commercial documentary proof such as a copy of the Certificate of Origin provided by the manufacturer, a Manufacturer’s Commercial Invoice or a Suppliers Declaration. 
  • If applying manually (counter or post), provide a cover letter specifying what needs to be done, payment (if applicable) and contact details in case of a query. Also, if the document (other than a CO) is to be Certified we will require an extra copy of the document. If the document is to be legalised we will require three copies of the document.

Please note that we are unable to make any photocopies for the customers.  

Cost of UK Certificate of Origin

Click the link below to view the full price list. LCCI Members receive up to 50% discounts on standard prices. Please contact the Trade Documents team to confirm the exact cost of processing your documents when embassy legalization is required (except for Egyptian charges, which are already shown on our Price List).

View Price List
Storage with boxes and a lift machine

How to Apply Electronically

New Customers

We have three offices in London where you can get your documents processed. Please download and complete the formal undertaking for the office you would like to use: 

Email

Please email the completed formal undertaking to formalundertaking@londonchamber.co.uk and register@esscert.com.                  

Account Set Up

LCCI will set up your account on esscert.com. This a third-party site which is provided and managed by LCCI. You will receive an email from LCCI with your account details and further information to start submitting your online applications.

Login

Login to your account and submit your DIY or Chamber Printed applications. All applications are reviewed and certified by LCCI Trade Documentation Officers.

Existing Customers

Login to your account and submit your DIY or Chamber Printed applications. All applications are reviewed and certified by LCCI Trade Documentation Officers.

Formal Undertaking

The Formal Undertaking needs to be renewed every year. If your Formal Undertaking has expired, you can still submit online applications but they will only be processed once your Formal Undertaking has been renewed. You can check the status and renew your Formal Undertaking on your online account.

Considerations

  • Any documents that need to be legalised by the Egyptian consulate will need to be paid upfront.

  • As of September 2023, all UK Certificates of Origin applications are printed in plain paper, the old blank official CO forms are no longer in use.

  • DIY applications can now be printed in your office using a colour printer and plain paper, there is no need to purchase blank official CO forms anymore.

  • Chamber Printed applications are now exclusive for countries where no electronic signatures are accepted.

  • Turn around: 24 hours for DIY applications and 48 hours for Chamber Printed applications (Mon-Fri)

  • Chamber Printed applications are sent via standard trackable courier service, unless Royal Mail special delivery service is requested by the applicant.

The UK Certificates are processed while you wait when submitted over the counter. Electronically we will usually process them within 24 hours (DIY service). Postal applications are usually processed and posted within 24 hours.

Get in Touch

Please complete our contact form if you have any queries about UK Certificates of Origin or email tradeenquiries@londonchamber.co.uk. A member of our team will then be in touch.

By clicking 'submit' you agree to your data being processed in accordance with the LCCI Privacy Policy.