Country of Origin

Country of origin (COO) is the country where a product was manufactured, grown, or substantially transformed into its final form. Country of origin is a fundamental piece of trade data used by customs authorities worldwide to determine applicable import duty rates, enforce trade agreements and restrictions, and verify compliance with import regulations and sanctions programs.

Rules of Origin

Determining country of origin is not always straightforward — especially for manufactured goods with components sourced from multiple countries. Countries apply rules of origin to make this determination: products must undergo a “substantial transformation” in a country to be considered originating there. Free trade agreements like USMCA have specific product-by-product rules defining what percentage of content or what manufacturing processes must occur within a member country to qualify for preferential tariff rates.

Country of Origin Labeling

Many countries require that imported goods bear a country of origin marking visible to the end purchaser — “Made in [Country].” In the U.S., CBP regulations require most imported goods to be marked with the country of origin in a conspicuous, legible, and permanent manner. Failure to properly mark country of origin can result in goods being re-marked at the importer’s expense or assessed marking duties.