The USMCA (T-MEC in Mexico) took effect on July 1, 2020, replacing NAFTA. Goods that qualify can enter the U.S. or Mexico at reduced or zero duty, but only when the importer claims the benefit and holds a valid certification of origin. Eilan Trade Solutions is a U.S. and Mexico customs brokerage, and we help you determine origin and support the claim.
Is there a required form?
No. Under USMCA there is no mandatory form. The certification of origin can be a separate document or a statement on another document, such as the invoice, as long as it includes the minimum data elements:
- Whether the certifier is the importer, the exporter or the producer
- The certifier’s name, address, phone and email
- The exporter’s name and address
- The producer’s name and address
- The importer’s name and address
- A description of the goods and their HS tariff classification
- The origin criterion the goods meet
- The blanket period, if the certification covers multiple shipments
- The certifier’s signature and date
How goods qualify
Goods qualify by meeting the product-specific rules of origin for their tariff classification, for example a required change in tariff classification or a minimum regional value content. That is why classification comes first: the right classification tells you which rule applies.
Record keeping
The importer should have the certification in its possession when claiming the benefit and keep it, with supporting records, for at least five years.
Common mistakes
- Missing one of the required data elements
- Wrong tariff classification, so the wrong origin rule is applied
- Certifying goods that do not actually qualify
- No supporting records if customs asks for verification
How Eilan helps
- Tariff classification and origin determination before the freight moves
- Support preparing the certification and keeping the records
- U.S. and Mexico customs brokerage: one team files both sides
- Permits and compliance handled with the entry
- A team that answers email 24/7
Related guides: how to import into the U.S. · how to import into Mexico · what is a pedimento.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a specific USMCA form?
No. USMCA has no mandatory form. The certification of origin can be any document or statement that includes the required minimum data elements.
Who can certify origin under USMCA?
The importer, the exporter or the producer can certify origin, as long as the certification has the required information and is supported by records.
How long should I keep USMCA records?
The importer should keep the certification and supporting records for at least five years.
Does USMCA mean zero duty on everything?
No. Only goods that meet the rules of origin for their classification qualify, and the benefit must be claimed with a valid certification. Some goods still pay duty.
Questions about a shipment? Call +1 (956) 717-4150, email operations@eilantrade.com, or use our contact page.
Get a quote
Send us the shipment. We answer email 24/7.
Send these details and you get a straight answer on what it takes, how long it takes and what it costs:
- Product description and HS code, or the commercial invoice
- Quantity, weight and packaging
- Origin and destination
- Direction: into Mexico, into the U.S., or in-bond
- Your dates, and any special handling
En español: certificación de origen T-MEC
El T-MEC (USMCA) entró en vigor el 1 de julio de 2020 y sustituyó al TLCAN. La mercancía que califica puede entrar con arancel reducido o cero, si se reclama con una certificación de origen válida. No existe un formato obligatorio, pero debe incluir los elementos mínimos (certificador, exportador, productor, importador, descripción y clasificación, criterio de origen, período y firma). Conserve los registros al menos cinco años. Eilan le ayuda con la clasificación y el origen: llame al +1 (956) 717-4150.
¿Prefiere atención en español? Solicite su cotización en español or call +1 (956) 717-4150.
U.S.–Mexico trade updates
Rule changes, permit requirements and crossing conditions that affect your freight. Short, occasional, no sales pitch. · Actualizaciones de comercio EE. UU.–México: cambios de reglas, permisos y condiciones de cruce.