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Frequently Asked Questions


Certificates of Origin

  • The Board of Trade’s template for a Certificate of Origin is available in “pdf” format  or in “Excel” format available from Document Certification Officers.
Government-issued Certificates
  • We will attach a short letter on Toronto Board of Trade letterhead to the effect that, based upon our examination of the certificate, we believe it to be genuine. This letter can be stamped, signed and sealed.
Fumigation Certificates
    • We will attach a short letter on Toronto Board of Trade letterhead to the effect that we have examined an original of the fumigation certificate, it has been notarized, and it appears to be genuine based on our examination. This letter can be stamped, signed and sealed.

Letters of Authenticity

    • We will certify Letters of Authenticity on the client’s letterhead, provided that the letter has been notarized.
    • We are not able to issue Letters of Authenticity on Toronto Board of Trade letterhead.

Letters of Confirmation

    • The Board of Trade’s Senior Member Service Representative issues Letters of Confirmation. Contact Beverley Phillips at 416 862 4528 or bphillips@bot.com.
    • Document Certification Officers are not able to issue Letters of Confirmation.

Contacts

West -Toronto Airport Marriott
Ann Cozzi, Comissioner of Oaths        416 798 6811

Downtown Centre 9 a.m.-12 noon 
         
Allyson Luck, Commissioner of Oaths 416 862 4544
Rhonda Richardson 416 862 4534

In order to provide an efficient service, we would like to apprise you of the following and ask that you double check to insure that you comply with these requirements before visiting with our Document Certification Officers:

    • The documents need to have two original signatures, in blue ink: the exporter’s and the Notary Public’s/Commissioner of Oaths’.
    • These two signatures need to be from two different people. The exporter cannot notarize/commission his/her own document.
    • The Toronto Board of Trade requires an original copy of all documents to keep on file.
    • Any Certificate of Origin that refers to a “Free Trade Agreement” (e.g. NAFTA) cannot be certified.

Frequently Asked Questions

Table of Contents

DOCUMENT CERTIFICATION

What sorts of documents are required for exporting?
A Certificate of Origin is required by some countries for exportation of goods. Blank forms may be obtained in pdf format from the Toronto Board of Trade 416 862 4533, e-mail reception@bot.com or purchased from:
Migra International Ltd.
2600 Skymark Avenue, Bldg. 9, Suite 101, Mississauga, Ontario, L4W 5B2 -
Tel.: 905-238-9772, Fax: 905-206-8965  www.migraexport.ca

What documents does (any country) require?
Contacts:
The specific consulate, using Going Global: A Directory of International Investment and Trade Service Providers for the Toronto Region.

Migra International Ltd.
2600 Skymark Avenue, Bldg. 9, Suite 101, Mississauga, Ontario, L4W 5B2 -
Tel.: 905-238-9772, Fax: 905-206-8965  www.migraexport.ca

What is a Certificate of Origin?
It is a document attesting to the country of origin of goods. A certificate of origin is often required by the customs authorities such as the consular office. A certificate of origin may be required even though the commercial invoice contains the information.
1. Edward G. Hinkelman, Dictionary of International Trade (California: World Trade Press, 1996), p31
Sample in pdf format

What is a  Free Sale Certificate / Letter?
A Free Sale Certificate is frequently requested when exporting such products as: cosmetics, hair products, dairy products, diapers, drugs, food for human consumption, medical devices, pet food, pharmaceuticals, sanitary napkins, soap, etc. It should be signed by a qualified member of the exporting firm or manufacturer, notarized and then certified by a chamber of commerce (Board of Trade)

To obtain certificates of Free Sale for:

    • Food Products:
      Canadian Food Inspection Agency  www.inspection.gc.ca/ 
      (was Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada)
      10077 Yonge St., Unit G, Richmond Hill, ON  L4C 1T7
      Tel 905 883 1600

    • Drugs, Pharmaceuticals, Medical Devices
      Health Canada  www.hc-sc.gc.ca 
      2301 Midland Ave., Scarborough, ON  M1P 4R7
      Tel 416 973 1600

    • Miscellaneous
      For all other products a Free Sale Certificate states, in the form of an affidavit on the shipper's letterhead, that the goods being exported are freely offered for sale in Canada and is produced in accordance with the laws and regulations of Canada that control the production; and they meet Canadian government standards. The analysis and formulation of the product being exported are identical to the product that is offered for sale in Canada. It may be on the shipper's letterhead, signed by a qualified member of the exporting firm or manufacturer, notarized and then certified by a chamber of commerce (Board of Trade).

CARNET

What is a Carnet?
A customs document permitting the holder to carry or send merchandise temporarily into certain foreign countries (for display, demonstrations, or similar purposes) without paying duties or posting bonds. (Carnet is pronounced Car-nay.)
2. Hinkelman, Dictionary of International Trade, p29.

Where can I get a carnet?
Carnets are issued by The Canadian Chamber of Commerce  
Tel 416 868 6415

TARIFFS/HARMONIZED CODES

What is a tariff?
A comprehensive list or schedule of merchandise with applicable rates to be paid or charged for each listed article.

What is a harmonized code/harmonized system?
Harmonized codes are part of a multipurpose international goods classification system designed to be used by manufacturers. transporters, exporters, importers, customs, statisticians and others in classifying goods moving in international trade under a single commodity code.
3. Hinkelman, Dictionary of International Trade, p.106

Where can I find harmonized codes? 
Canadian Customs Tariff "Harmonized System"
2 Volumes plus an Index
McMullin Publishers Ltd., 417 St. Pierre, Montreal, QC  H2Y 2M4
Tel 514 849 1424

What is a duty?
A tax levied by a government on the import, export or consumption of goods. Usually a tax imposed on imports by the customs authority of a country. Duties are generally based on the value of the goods (ad valorem duties), some other factors such as weight or quantity (specific duties), or a combination of value and other factors (compound duties).
4. Hinkelman, Dictionary of International Trade, p. 67.

Where can I find duty rates?
PBB Global Logistics
Harmonized codes may be searched online after a free registration process.

The International Customs Journal
International Customs Bureau, Rue de l'Association 38 - B - 1000, Brussels.

 

ASSOCIATIONS

Where can I learn more about Exporting / Importing?

 

WHOLESALERS

Where can I get a listing of Importers/Exporters (wholesalers)?
There are a variety of resources available:

 
 

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