Canada Free Trade Certificate Generator

Generate Certificate of Origin for CUSMA/USMAC Free Trade Agreement

Privacy & Security / Protection de la Confidentialité

Complete Privacy / Confidentialité Complète: Your data is automatically deleted when you leave the site. / Vos données sont automatiquement supprimées lorsque vous quittez le site.

Certificate Storage / Stockage des Certificats: Stored for 1 year, accessible via email verification from any device. / Stockés pendant 1 an, accessibles via vérification e-mail depuis n'importe quel appareil.

Session Security / Sécurité de Session: IP address used only for current session security, not long-term access. / Adresse IP utilisée uniquement pour la sécurité de la session actuelle, pas pour l'accès à long terme.

Exporter Information

Company Name *

Email Address *

Complete Address *

Phone Number *

Business Number / Tax ID

Enter your Canadian Business Number or applicable Tax ID

Producer Information (if different from exporter)

Producer is the same as exporter

Importer Information

Important: If the importer is unknown at the time of certificate preparation, you must explicitly state "Unknown" - do not leave blank.

Company Name *

Email Address *

Complete Address *

Phone Number *

Tax ID / EIN

Enter the importing company's Tax ID or EIN

Certificate Creation Guide

Simplified Certificate Creation: Create one certificate at a time. After completion, you'll have the option to create additional certificates for different products.

RVC Calculation: Add all product components and details, then click "Calculate RVC" to automatically compute the Regional Value Content. The calculation results will be attached to your certificate as supporting documentation.

Product Information

Product Description (For Certificate) *

Important: This text will appear on your certificate and must match your commercial invoice exactly.

Detailed Product Specifications (For AI Classification) *

Include technical specifications, materials, manufacturing process, and intended use for accurate AI classification. This detailed information helps our AI determine the correct HS code but will NOT appear on the certificate.

HTS Code

HTS Code is displayed for verification.

Tariff-Sensitive Material Declaration

Material Composition Declaration Required

For products containing steel, aluminum, copper, or softwood lumber, please declare the percentage and origin of each material to ensure CUSMA/USMCA compliance.

Important: HTS Codes Directly Affected by 50% US Tariffs

✓ Codes Subject to 50% Section 232 Tariffs:

Chapter 72: Iron and steel (raw materials, semi-finished products, bars, rods, wire, sheets, plates)
Chapter 73: Articles of iron or steel (pipes, tubes, fittings, fasteners, structures, wire products)
Chapter 76: Aluminum and articles thereof (raw aluminum, plates, sheets, bars, rods, wire, structures)
Derivatives: Downstream products classified under 72, 73, or 76 that are primarily steel/aluminum in composition

✗ Codes NOT Directly Affected (Finished Goods):

Chapter 71: Jewelry with steel components (earrings, necklaces) → classified under 7117, not 72/73
Chapter 87: Automobiles → subject to origin-based duties, not the 50% steel tariff
Chapters 84-85: Machinery, appliances, electronics with steel/aluminum parts → classified under their own headings, not 72/73/76

Note: Finished goods outside Chapters 72, 73, 76 are not directly hit by the 50% tariff, even if they contain steel/aluminum components. However, raw materials must be declared separately for tariff assessment.

Regional Value Content (RVC) Calculation

Important: All RVC values should be based on single item costs, not bulk quantities or total shipment values.
Customs Valuation: Only required when using Transaction Value Method or Build-Down Method. Customs valuation IS based on total shipment values and costs.

RVC Method * (see What to Include button)

Single Item Final Product Cost * Value for ONE unit (not bulk/total shipment)

Currency

Product Components & Materials

No components added yet. Click "Add Component" to start building your RVC calculation.

Product Details for Certificate

Country of Origin *

Primary country where product is manufactured

Quantity *

Unit *

Total Value (Invoice Price) *

Currency *

AI-Powered Certificate: Origin Criterion and Method of Qualification will be automatically determined by our AI based on your product description and RVC calculations.

Certificate Authority Information

Authorized Person Name *

Title/Position *

Phone Number *

Email Address *

Payment Information

Billing Email Address *

Used for payment processing and certificate delivery

Receiving Country *

Determines certificate language and requirements

Blanket Period Coverage

Does this certificate cover multiple shipments over a period of time?

No - Single shipment certificate

Yes - Blanket period certificate (multiple shipments)

Start Date

End Date

Blanket period certificates are valid for up to 12 months and cover multiple shipments of identical goods.

Platform-Simplified Guide for CUSMA/USMCA Compliance
Our platform calculates RVC automatically based on the method you select and the components you enter. You don't need to manually apply formulas or decide what to include—we do that for you.

🧾 What You Need to Enter

All product components used in production
Per-unit cost for each component (not bulk or shipment totals)
Country of origin for each component
Material type (originating or non-originating)
Invoice price (for customs valuation, if using Transaction Value or Build-Down)

Once entered, we'll:

Apply the correct RVC formula based on your selected method
Include or exclude components as required
Attach the full RVC breakdown to your certificate

📊 Industry Examples: Which RVC Method Works Best?

Different industries benefit from different RVC methods. Here are real-world examples showing how each method performs:

Automotive: Build-Up Method is Optimal (84.8%)

Why Build-Up Works Best:

Significant Canadian labor and overhead count as originating
Mexican steel qualifies under USMCA
High local value-added manufacturing

Method Results:

★ Build-Up: 84.8% (Optimal)
Net Cost: 79.2% ✓
Transaction/Build-Down: 77.6% ✓

Electronics: Build-Up Method is Optimal (73.0%)

Why Build-Up Works Best:

Software development and assembly labor add significant originating value
USA plastic housing qualifies as USMCA-originating
Packaging and overhead boost qualifying content

Method Results:

★ Build-Up: 73.0% (Optimal)
Net Cost: 70.8% ✓
Transaction/Build-Down: 68.8% ✓

Textiles: Transaction Value Method is Optimal (95.6%)

Why Transaction Value Works Best:

Very low non-originating content (only labels from Vietnam)
USA fabric qualifies under USMCA
Simplest method with highest percentage

Method Results:

★ Transaction Value: 95.6% (Optimal)
Build-Down: 95.6% ✓
Net Cost: 93.8% ✓
Build-Up: 91.1% ✓

Machinery: Net Cost Method is Optimal (88.5%)

Why Net Cost Works Best:

Allows exclusion of sales promotion and shipping costs
USA iron housing qualifies under USMCA
High-value Canadian machining and assembly

Method Results:

★ Net Cost: 88.5% (Optimal)
Build-Up: 84.4% ✓
Build-Down: 81.3% ✓
Transaction Value: 81.3% ✓

If Using Transaction Value or Build-Down Method

Include the following in the receiving country's currency:

Included in Customs Valuation

Invoice Price
Based on total shipment value or price
Packing Costs
Boxes, containers, and labor used to pack the goods for export
Assists
Materials, components, tools, dies, molds, or design work provided by the buyer free or at reduced cost
Selling Commissions
Paid by the buyer to the seller's agent (not buying commissions)
Royalties and License Fees
If required as a condition of sale and paid by the buyer
Proceeds of Subsequent Resale
If they accrue to the seller (e.g., profit-sharing or resale bonuses)
Freight and Insurance to Port of Entry
Shipping and insurance costs from border/port of exit to final destination (in receiving country's currency) What is FOB?

Excluded from Customs Valuation

These are not part of the dutiable value:

Buying Commissions
Paid by the buyer to their own agent
Post-Import Costs
Installation, maintenance, training, warranty services
Interest and Financing Charges
If separately identified and not part of the price paid
Domestic Taxes (in exporting country)
If refunded or not applicable to export sales
Marketing, Advertising, and After-Sale Services
Not part of the transaction value

🔢 RVC Methods (Handled Automatically)

Method	What You Do	What We Do
Transaction Value	Enter invoice price + all components	Subtract non-originating materials from invoice value
Build-Up	Enter all production-related components	Add up qualifying regional costs only
Build-Down	Enter invoice price + all components	Subtract non-originating materials from total value
Net Cost	Enter all production costs	Exclude non-production costs automatically

Important: All RVC calculations are based on single item final invoice price or costs, not bulk quantities or total shipment values.

📁 Documentation You Should Keep

Even though our platform handles the math, you're responsible for maintaining:

Supplier declarations or origin certificates
Purchase invoices and receipts
Bill of materials (BOM)

Production cost records (labor, overhead)
Customs valuation worksheets
Internal audit logs for RVC calculations

🚢 Shipping Documentation Requirements

Required for USMCA/CUSMA Compliance

Essential Shipping Documents

Commercial Invoice
Detailed breakdown of goods, prices, and terms
Packing List
Itemized list of package contents and weights
USMCA Certificate of Origin
Generated by this platform with proper RVC calculations
Bill of Lading or Airway Bill
Proof of shipment and routing information
Export/Import Permits
If required for specific products (CITES, controlled goods, etc.)

Supporting Documentation

Manufacturer's Affidavit
If goods undergo processing or assembly
Supplier Declarations
Origin status confirmations for all components
Cost Breakdown Worksheets
Detailed RVC calculation support documentation
Transportation Documents
Routing certificates, carrier manifests
Insurance and Security Filings
C-TPAT, PIP certifications if applicable

Customs Clearance Checklist

Before Shipment:

✅ Verify all RVC calculations are accurate
✅ Confirm supplier origin declarations
✅ Check HS codes are current and correct
✅ Validate invoice pricing includes all costs

At Border:

✅ Present USMCA certificate with shipment
✅ Ensure all documents match invoice descriptions
✅ Have supporting RVC documentation available
✅ Declare any special circumstances or processing

💡 Pro Tips

Use accurate per-unit costs for each component
Tag origin status carefully—this affects RVC
Select the method that best reflects your supply chain
Keep records in case of CBSA or CBP review
Update your inputs if costs or sourcing change

📊 CUSMA De Minimis Rules

De Minimis Thresholds

Non-originating materials may qualify if they represent:

10% or less of transaction value for most products
7% or less for textiles and apparel (Chapters 50-63)
Special thresholds for steel (7%), sugar, and certain agricultural products

Important: Check if your non-originating materials meet these thresholds. If they do, they can be treated as originating for RVC calculation purposes.

10%

General threshold

Textiles

🔄 What is Tariff Shift?

Simple Definition

Tariff shift means your finished product has a different customs code (HS) than its non-compliant materials. The bigger the change, the more likely your product is considered "sufficiently transformed" to qualify for CUSMA.

Example: If you import fabric (HS Code 5208) and make a shirt (HS Code 6205), that's a chapter change - usually sufficient for qualification!

Transformation Levels

Chapter Change Major transformation - Usually qualifying Ex: Fabric → Clothing (52→62)

Heading Change Moderate transformation - May require RVC Ex: Raw steel → Shaped steel (72.06→72.08)

Sub-heading Change Minor transformation - Usually insufficient Ex: Simple assembly without transformation

What You Need

For each non-compliant material:

6-digit HS code of the imported material
Country of origin of that material
Value/cost of that material

For your finished product:

6-digit HS code of the final product (which, if you don't already know it, our platform can provide)
Description of transformation performed

How Our Platform Helps You

1. Enter
HS codes in RVC fields

2. Analyze
Automatic change detection

3. Results
RVC + Tariff shift analysis

Practical Tip: Look for "Component HS Code" fields in each RVC calculation section. Fill these out so our system can automatically analyze tariff shifts AND calculate your RVC at the same time!

🧠 Practical Example: Complete Integration

📊 Product Data

Final product: Electronic device
Total value: $10.00 CAD
Non-originating components:
• Adhesive: $0.60 (China)
• Protective film: $0.95 (Korea)
• Imported chip: $0.75 (Taiwan)
Total non-originating: $2.30 (23%)

🔍 Rules Analysis

1. De Minimis Rule

Combined value ≤ 10% of total value

❌ FAILS 23% > 10%

2. Tariff Shift

Each component must meet PSR

⚠️ CHECK HS codes required

3. RVC Calculation

If tariff shift fails

✅ OPTION RVC = (10-2.30)/10 = 77%

Outcome: Even though de minimis fails (23% > 10%), the product may still qualify via tariff shift OR RVC (77% > required 62.5% threshold). Analyzing all three rules together determines final qualification.

🚨 Critical Update: U.S. De Minimis Elimination

Effective August 29, 2025

Major Change

Before August 29, 2025: U.S. de minimis threshold $800 USD

Since August 29, 2025: U.S. de minimis threshold $0 USD

The U.S. has eliminated the de minimis exemption for commercial shipments:

Commercial shipments of ANY value to the U.S. are now subject to duties and taxes
No more automatic exemption for shipments under $800 USD
CUSMA origin qualification is now essential for duty-free entry
Complete documentation required for every commercial shipment, regardless of value

Important: This affects U.S. customs treatment only. CUSMA de minimis rules (10%/7%) within the trade agreement remain in effect for origin qualification.

$0 Threshold
New U.S. rules

🇨🇦➡️🇺🇸 CUSMA/USMCA Compliance

This streamlined guidance is specifically tailored for Canadian exporters using our automated platform. Our system ensures all calculations align with CBSA and CBP requirements for maximum compliance assurance.

Understanding Tariff Shift under CUSMA

Tariff shift analysis determines if sufficient transformation occurred during production to qualify for preferential treatment. This guide explains the three levels of classification change and their significance for origin determination.

Chapter Change (Generally Sufficient)

Definition: First 2 digits of HS code change

Example:
Component: 5208.32 (Cotton yarn) → Chapter 52
Product: 6203.42 (Men's trousers) → Chapter 62
Chapter Change: 52 → 62

Significance: Indicates major transformation. Usually sufficient for CUSMA qualification without additional RVC requirements, unless specific product-specific rules apply.

Industries: Common in textiles, electronics assembly, automotive parts manufacturing.

Heading Change (May Need RVC)

Definition: First 4 digits change, but same chapter

Example:
Component: 8407.33 (Engine parts) → Heading 8407
Product: 8408.20 (Diesel engine) → Heading 8408
Heading Change: 8407 → 8408

Significance: Moderate transformation. Often requires additional RVC calculation to meet CUSMA thresholds. Check product-specific rules in CUSMA Annex 4-B.

Common Requirement: Must also meet RVC threshold (60% transaction value, 50% net cost).

Subheading Change (Generally Insufficient)

Definition: Only last 2 digits change (6-digit level)

Example:
Component: 8471.30 (Portable computers) → 8471.30
Product: 8471.41 (Desktop computers) → 8471.41
Subheading Change: 8471.30 → 8471.41

Significance: Minor transformation. Generally insufficient for CUSMA qualification. Requires substantial RVC compliance or processing exception.

Alternatives: Must meet high RVC thresholds or qualify under specific processing rules.

No Change (Insufficient)

Definition: Component and product have identical HS codes

Example:
Component: 7208.25 (Steel sheets) → 7208.25
Product: 7208.25 (Steel sheets) → 7208.25
No Change: 7208.25 → 7208.25

Significance: No tariff shift occurred. Cannot qualify through tariff shift rule alone. Must use alternative qualification methods.

Options: Wholly obtained, substantial transformation through processing, or specific CUSMA exceptions.

Legal Interpretation Guidelines

Product-Specific Rules: Always check CUSMA Annex 4-B for specific requirements
RVC Integration: Tariff shift often combined with RVC requirements
Processing Rules: Some products have alternative processing-based rules

Documentation: Maintain detailed records of component classifications
Verification: Use official HS classification resources
Professional Review: Complex cases may require trade law expertise

CRITICAL UPDATE: U.S. De Minimis Elimination (August 29, 2025)

Effective August 29, 2025: The United States has eliminated the de minimis exemption for commercial shipments.

ALL commercial imports to the U.S. are now subject to duties and full customs clearance, regardless of value
CUSMA preferential treatment is now more critical than ever for duty-free entry
Proper documentation and origin qualification are essential for all shipment values

Special Considerations: • Steel, aluminum, copper products
• Softwood and wood cabinets
• Cloth-covered furniture
May have additional duties regardless of CUSMA qualification

Important Clarification: CUSMA de minimis rules (10% general, 7% textiles) within the trade agreement remain in effect. This elimination refers only to the U.S. customs processing threshold for duties.

Impact: This change makes CUSMA origin qualification and proper certificate of origin completion essential for ALL commercial shipments to avoid paying full U.S. duties on every import, regardless of value.

Practical Application Tips

1. Classification Accuracy
Ensure precise HS code classification for both components and final products using official tariff schedules.

2. Documentation
Maintain detailed records showing HS codes, classifications rationale, and transformation processes.

3. Compliance Strategy
Develop integrated approach combining tariff shift analysis with RVC calculations for robust qualification.

Setup Parameters

Business Size

Current Compliance Level

Product Complexity

Implementation Urgency

Your Implementation Timeline

Select your parameters to generate a custom timeline

Choose your business size, compliance level, product complexity, and urgency to get a personalized RVC implementation plan.

Fast-Track with This Platform

Once you have supplier documentation (Phase 2 complete), you can complete Phases 1, 3, and 4 in a single session on this platform - typically within one business day.

Phase 2 is the Bottleneck: Gathering supplier documentation takes the longest - coordinate with suppliers early
Platform Automation: Once you have cost data and HS codes, our platform automatically calculates RVC using all methods and generates certificates
Same-Day Certificates: With complete documentation, you can generate production-ready certificates in hours, not weeks
Missing Supplier Certificates: If suppliers lack origin certificates for components, you can generate them within this platform as the importer, producer, or exporter (with supporting documentation)
Ongoing Use: After initial setup, subsequent certificates can be generated in minutes

Canada Free Trade Certificate Generator

Privacy & Security / Protection de la Confidentialité

VPN/Proxy Détecté / VPN/Proxy Detected

Exporter Information

Producer Information (if different from exporter)

Importer Information

Certificate Creation Guide

Product Information

Tariff-Sensitive Material Detected

Tariff-Sensitive Material Declaration

Material Composition Declaration Required

Important: HTS Codes Directly Affected by 50% US Tariffs

Regional Value Content (RVC) Calculation

Product Components & Materials

RVC Calculation Results

Product Details for Certificate

Certificate Authority Information

Payment Information

Blanket Period Coverage

Certificate Progress

📊 Product Data

🔍 Rules Analysis

1. De Minimis Rule

2. Tariff Shift

3. RVC Calculation

Select your parameters to generate a custom timeline

Canada Free Trade Certificate Generator

Privacy & Security / Protection de la Confidentialité

VPN/Proxy Détecté / VPN/Proxy Detected

Exporter Information

Producer Information (if different from exporter)

Importer Information

Certificate Creation Guide

Product Information

Tariff-Sensitive Material Detected

Tariff-Sensitive Material Declaration

Material Composition Declaration Required

Important: HTS Codes Directly Affected by 50% US Tariffs

Regional Value Content (RVC) Calculation

Product Components & Materials

RVC Calculation Results

Product Details for Certificate

Certificate Authority Information

Payment Information

Blanket Period Coverage

Certificate Progress

Certificate Completed!