Exporters in Mobile Now Have Access to Electronic Process for Certificates of Origin

The Business View – October 2017 / News You Can Use

The Mobile Area Chamber is now implementing an electronic certification to process certificates of origin (CoO), documents often used in export shipments.

Using the software system eCertify, exporters and freight forwarders now have a seamless and streamlined electronic solution to:

•  eliminate courier costs;
•  reduce administration costs;
•  reduce errors;
•  improve turnaround time; and
•  receive timely notifications of acceptance or rejection.

Christina Stimpson, director of international trade for the Chamber, said for decades companies have been required to come to the Chamber to process CoOs. “This was costly and time-consuming for busy exporters and freight forwarders,” she said. “eCertify enables our Chamber to provide them with faster turnaround times, and prompt acceptance or rejection notifications.”

Exporters complete the documents online and then upload them to be certified by a recognized issuing body (and in this case the Mobile Area Chamber), attesting that the goods in a particular export shipment have been produced, manufactured and/or processed in a particular country.

Cost per CoO is $15 for Mobile Area Chamber members and $45 for potential members, and all certificates will be processed online between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CST Monday-Friday, according to Stimpson. Additional documents exporters often need, such as bill of lading, commercial invoices, etc., will be stamped at no additional charge when submitted with a CoO.

To learn more, or to set up an online account, go to www.mobilechamber.com/ecertify.

Click here to read The Business View – October 2017