Genesis

Designed for chambers to help their exporters certify the preferential origin on invoice declaration 

In 2022, ICC launched Genesis, a digital certifying tool that enables exporters to go to their related Chambers of Commerce to obtain the certification of their preferential origin statement on invoice declarations.  

By offering a reliable verifying tool to exporters but also to importers and customs authorities, Genesis aims to reduce fraud risks and costs, and to facilitate smoother customs checks. 

Set to last until March 2023, the initial pilot phase will involve six participating champion chambers: Netherlands Chamber of Commerce, Canadian Chamber of Commerce, as well as four chambers in the United Kingdom: British Chambers of Commerce, Chamber International, Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce and Business West (Bristol Chamber of Commerce). 

What is it ?

Certified invoice declarations (in effect, a self-certification process carried out by the exporter) have been around for a number of decades and are used in numerous Free Trade Agreements (FTA). At best, and if used efficiently, they strengthen the trustworthiness of exporters, reduce the risk of fraud and thus legal liability for importers, and ensure smoother customs checks. 

However, at the moment, there are neither regulations nor obligations on the certification of an invoice declaration. Such declaration is carried out by suppliers/ exporters either on a voluntary basis or upon the request of customs authorities/ importers as part of the procedures in an FTA. 

The lack of knowledge of preferential rules of origin by exporting companies, especially SMEs, may lead to the possibility of making mistakes when self-certifying the origin on the invoice declaration. Having its certification verified by its chamber of commerce is an added value for exporters.  

The certification of an invoice declaration reinforces the chamber’s role in delivering relevant, cost-effective, high-quality, innovative trade services. 

How does it works ?

Of its own choosing, an exporter shall apply online to the Chamber of Commerce to obtain the certification of its invoice declaration and origin statement. As such, the invoice declaration becomes more trustworthy thanks to the certification made by the Chamber of Commerce. 

An importer receiving an invoice declaration seeing that the document has been certified by a Chamber of Commerce in the country of export recognises a reduced level of risk in the transaction.  

Benefits for chambers to use Genesis 

• Diversify Chamber’s trade services for their business community 
• Chamber staff trained on preferential rules of origin: they can understand both non-preferential and preferential rules of origin 
• Reputation in origin: Maintain position as a relevant organization in the origin area