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Arab-British Certificate of Origin

An Arab Certificate of Origin is issued for goods that are being sold and permanently exported to Arab League countries.

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

Documents LCCI process and the requirements

Document Type

  • Arab Certificates of Origin
  • Invoices and Packing Lists
  • Hajj and Umrah documents (certification only)
  • Any other commercial or legal documents required for international trade. Please note that any such documents will only be certified or legalized if they show country of destination, either within the body of the text or handwritten on the reverse of the document “for use in <insert country of destination>” (in pen).

Arab Certificate of Origin Requirements

  • LCCI can only certify or legalize original documents
  • Certain embassies may have specific requirements for certain documents. Please refer to Embassy Matrix for further information
  • Any documents produced in a language other than English will need to be accompanied by a translation.

What countries can an Arab Certificate of Origin be issued for?

See which countries need an Arab Certificate of Origin and what are their processing options. 

More Information on Arab Countries

How to apply for Arab-British Certificate of Origin

How to apply online for new customers

STEP 1
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: 

STEP 2
Please email the completed formal undertaking to formalundertaking@londonchamber.co.uk and register@esscert.com. LCCI will use this information to set up your online account.

STEP 3
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.

STEP 4
Login to your account and submit your applications. All applications are reviewed and certificated by LCCI Trade Documents Officers.

How to apply online for existing customers

STEP 1
Login to your account and submit your applications.  All applications are reviewed and certificated by LCCI Trade Documents Officers.

STEP 2
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

  • The online application option is available to Certificates of Origin and Invoices (any other documents must be processed manually)
  • Electronic processing is not available for: Iraq, Libya, Lebanon, Qatar, UAE.
  • Arab online certification/legalisation services will require upfront payments.
  • For DIY applications, you will need to purchase beforehand your blank official Certificates of Origin, you can do this by emailing edocuments@londonchamber.co.uk
  • Find more information and resources on our UK Trading Guide

How to apply in person, by courier or post

Any commercial or legal documents must be submitted manually as original documents are required.

  • Complete the Certificate using the Arab Certificate Template
  • Post completed documents, payment (company cheque made payable to LCCI or bacs) and processing instructions to our issuing offices or apply over the counter
  • Handwritten documents are not allowed.

Supporting documents for Arab Certificate of Origin

Documents required as backup for Certificate of Origin applications

  • Commercial Invoice and packing list
  • If the goods are of foreign origin, we will 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 Supplier's Origin Declaration. 

If applying manually (counter or post), we will require a cover letter specifying what needs to be done, payment (if applicable) and contact details in case of a query.

Photocopies required for each document type:

Certification (London Chamber and Arab Chamber stamping)

  • Invoice – 2 copies
  • Any other documents – 2 copies

Legalisation (London Chamber, Arab Chamber and Arab League Embassy)

  • Invoice – 4 copies
  • Any other documents – 4 copies

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

FAQs

Which certificate should I use for exports to Iran?

You will have to use an UK Certificate of Origin for Iran (as they are not part of Arab League of States).

Do the Certificates of Origin have to be signed by the company?

Yes. Green application and blue control copies must be signed before the document is submitted to us for processing.

What other types of documents can be certified or legalised?

Any commercial 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.

The above documents will only be certified or legalized if they show country of destination, either within the body of the text or handwritten on the reverse of the document “for use in” (in pen).

Please note that we can only certify or legalize original documents. Copies can also be processed, provided that they have been certified as “true copy of the original document” by a Notary Public or Solicitor.

Hajj and Umrah - please note that we can only certify these documents (24h certification or same day express). Documents will need to be submitted to the Saudi Embassy by a representative of the company.

My documents were produced in the British Virgin Islands, Cayman Island, Jersey or Guernsey. Can they be processed by LCCI or legalised in the UK?

Yes, however, they will need to be apostilled by the BVI / Cayman Island Governor or Guernsey / Jersey Bailiwick first and then by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in London.

Do I have to show the manufacturers names and addresses on the front of the Arab Certificate of Origin?

Yes. The name and address should be prefixed with ‘manufactured by’.

Can I get extra copies of the Arab Certificates certified?

Yes, however, you will need to buy additional copies from the Chamber and have them issued at the same time as the originals.

How can I download a formal undertaking

Please select from one of the following options: Formal Undertaking London, Formal Undertaking HounslowFormal Undertaking Barking.

Can I have an UK Certificate legalised by an Arab League embassy?

No, you must use an Arab Certificate of Origin if embassy legalization is required.

Can I have an UK Certificate for an Arab destinations?

Yes, as long as you submit a signed Letter of Indemnity on your company headed paper with your application. You must confirm with your client whether an UK Certificate of Origin will be sufficient for their needs (as Arab C/Os should be used for Arab League destinations). It is advisable that you obtain this confirmation in writing to minimize any disputes (with your client) if the goods fail to clear Customs at the destination.

Where do I get my Arab Certificate of Origin and other documentation processed?

London Chamber of Commerce and Industry
33 Queen Street, London EC4R 1AP
10.00am - 4.00pm Monday to Fridays

Cut-off time for document processing
C/Os - 3.45pm
Carnets regular3.45pm
Carnet express 3.00pm
Other3.45pm

Contact details
C/Os: T: +44 (0)20 7248 4444 edocuments@londonchamber.co.uk
Carnets: T: +44 (0)20 7248 4444 ecarnet@londonchamber.co.uk

Barking Branch Office
12 Town Quay Wharf
Abbey Road
Barking
Essex IG11 7BZ

9:00am - 5.00pm
Monday and Tuesday

Cut-off time for document processing
Times vary - please contact Barking Branch Office

Contact details
T: +44 (0)20 7248 4444

Hounslow Branch Office
Unit 20 Bellview Court
183 Hanworth Road
Hounslow TW3 3TQ

10.00am - 12.30pm
1.30pm - 4.00pm
Tuesday to Friday

Cut-off time for document processing
Times vary - please contact Hounslow Branch Office

Contact details
T: +44 (0)20 7248 4444
F:+44 (0)20 8814 1563

*Any applications received outside of the working hours or weekends will be counted as having been submitted on the next working day

Are there specific requirements for certain Arab League countries?

Please check the Embassy Matrix chart on Other Information column for further information.

Which certificate should I use for exports to Egypt?

You will have to use an UK Certificate of Origin for Egypt (as they are not part of Arab League of States).

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