Cost:

  • Members: $15.00 per set* (includes GST)
  • Additional pages: $1.25 (includes GST)
  • Non-Members $45.00 per set* (includes GST)
  • Additional pages: $3.00 (includes GST)

Payment of all fees is required before document certification. Payments can be made in person using a Visa, MasterCard or Debit card, or cash. Chamber members can also pay with a cheque.

For fee purposes, a “set” constitutes putting up to 10 stamps (by the North Vancouver Chamber employee) on pages containing the same invoice number. This can be any combination of documents such as certificates of origin, invoices, packing lists, way bills, etc., as long as they are related to the same shipment (same consignee address must be on all documents), same product and are going to the same destination.

Exporter must be sure that:

  • Name and address are included.
  • Consignee’s name and address are included.
  • Itemized merchandise matches that listed on invoice.
  • Country of origin is listed and matches that on invoice.
  • If country of origin is other than Canada, certificate must indicate this.
  • Place and date are provided.
  • Company official has signed document.
  • There is no presence of a “boycott” clause.

A certificate of origin template may be downloaded by clicking here.

If you have any questions about Export Document Certification, please contact us.

Notarization

In most circumstances, the North Vancouver Chamber will not require notarization of documents prior to certification. However, as a matter of policy and for reasons of liability, the North Vancouver Chamber may require that all documents be notarized before we will put our stamp on it.

Notarization is a process by which a lawyer, notary public or commissioner of oaths (i.e., someone who can take sworn statements) certifies from a person’s sworn statement that the facts described in her/his signed documents are true.

Notarization should be marked with an original legal seal, which is usually raised, dated and signed. Some notarization, however, is done with a stamp and is perfectly acceptable.

Letters of Waiver

Exporters that frequently have documents certified often find the notarization process costly and time consuming. An alternative to notarization of documents is through a letter of waiver obtained from the shipper (i.e., manufacturer or exporter) or her/his agent. The North Vancouver Chamber allows companies that are frequent users of our service to place a Letter of Waiver on file stating that they take responsibility for the documents that they present to us.

The North Vancouver Chamber has developed a Letter of Waiver to replace the need to notarize each and every Certificate of Origin. A Letter of Waiver template may be downloaded by clicking here.

All letters of waiver should be:

  • submitted on the letterhead of the company concerned;
  • dated;
  • addressed to the Chamber or Board concerned;
  • signed by a company officer;
  • Notarized
  • periodically renewed (e.g.: every 2 years).

Online Certification Service

A new system has been implemented for stamping certificates of origin electronically. This service offers quick turnaround, instant creation and submission of repetitive applications, the ability to accept invoices and other documents in all major formats and immediate authentication by foreign authorities of documents validated.

As a member of the North Vancouver Chamber, you are eligible for the preferred member rate of $28+GST per Certificate of Origin. Unlike the traditional method, there is no limit on the number of stamps per set.

Invoices & Other Shipping Document

  • If above are supporting documents (with Certificate of Origin), no need for notarization.
  • Exporter’s name and address must be included.
  • Consignee’s name and address must be included.
  • Itemized merchandise must match that listed on Certificate of Origin.
  • Country of origin must be listed and match Certificate of Origin. Place and date must be included.

Letter of Authenticity

North Vancouver Chamber will certify if company registered in British Columbia.

Letter of Confirmation for Member in Good Standing

Service provided to North Vancouver Chamber members only.

Letter of Introduction

Service provided to North Vancouver Chamber members only.

Visa Requests

  • Visa application letter must be signed by company official.
  • Company must have a completed application form from the embassy of the country to which they are traveling.

Exporting Vehicles Overseas

  • Must provide certificate of origin accompanied by vehicle clause.
  • Original ownership of car must be provided (owner’s permit).
  • Serial number on owner’s permit must match certificate of origin.

Agent/Representational Agreements

Company must provide signed agreement/contract governing the relationship.

Government Issued Certificate

North Vancouver Chamber cannot certify government documents. However, the North Vancouver Chamber can issue a short stamped letter on North Vancouver Chamber letterhead to the effect that we have examined the certificate, and that based on our examination, we believe it to be genuine.

Fumigation Certificates

The North Vancouver Chamber cannot certify fumigation certificates. However, the North Vancouver Chamber can issue a short stamped letter on North Vancouver Chamber letterhead to the effect that we have examined the certificate, and that based on our examination, we believe it to be genuine.

Certificates of Composition/Analysis

The North Vancouver Chamber cannot certify Certificates of Composition/Analysis. However, the North Vancouver Chamber can issue a short stamped letter on North Vancouver Chamber letterhead to the effect that we have examined the certificate, and that based on our examination, we believe it to be genuine.

NAFTA Certificates of Origin

The North Vancouver Chamber cannot certify NAFTA certificates of origin. Please see CBSA (Canada Border Services Agency).

Documents not certified by the Chamber

The North Vancouver Chamber cannot certify the following: (not an all-inclusive list)

  • Certificates of Origin relating to international trade agreements, such as NAFTA;
  • Certificates of Value (can be obtained from freight forwarders);
  • Certificates of Composition or Analysis (weights/materials, etc.);
  • Certificates of Insurance;
  • Certificates of Fumigation;
  • Certificates of Free Sale;
  • Confirmation of Price Lists;
  • Documents issued by the federal or provincial governments;
  • Documents issued by foreign entities (government, company, etc);
  • Documents with references to quality or human consumption;
  • Letters of invitation (entry into Canada);
  • Personal documents (marriage/death certificates, divorce papers, etc.);
  • Documents with boycott clauses or inferring boycotting;
  • Documents issued in a foreign language.