Overview
USMCA stands for the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement. It replaced NAFTA and allows qualifying goods to receive preferential duty treatment when shipped between the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
USMCA does not automatically apply just because a product ships from one of these countries. The product must meet USMCA rules of origin and the shipper, importer, exporter, or producer must be able to support the claim with proper documentation. CBP confirms that USMCA does not require a specific certificate form, but it does require specific certification data elements.
When USMCA Applies
USMCA may apply when:
The shipment is moving between the United States, Mexico, or Canada.
The product qualifies as originating under USMCA rules of origin.
The required USMCA certification information is available.
The importer is claiming preferential duty treatment at time of entry, or through a post-entry claim where allowed.
USMCA is most commonly used to reduce or eliminate duties on qualifying goods imported into the U.S., Canada, or Mexico.
When USMCA Does Not Apply
USMCA does not apply when:
The goods do not meet the applicable rules of origin.
The goods are only warehoused, repacked, relabeled, or transshipped through the U.S., Mexico, or Canada.
The seller does not have enough origin information to support the claim.
The shipment does not move between USMCA countries.
The product was made outside North America and does not undergo enough qualifying production within the U.S., Mexico, or Canada.
What Types of Products May Qualify?
Many product types may qualify for USMCA, but qualification depends on the product’s tariff classification and rule of origin. Common examples include:
Electronics or components manufactured in North America
Apparel or textiles that meet specific yarn, fabric, or production rules
Health, beauty, wellness, and consumer goods produced in the U.S., Mexico, or Canada
Etc.
A product may qualify if it is:
Wholly obtained or produced in the U.S., Mexico, or Canada
Produced entirely from originating materials
Produced using non-originating materials that meet the applicable tariff shift, regional value content, or product-specific rule of origin
The exact rule depends on the product’s HTS or tariff classification. USTR’s USMCA text includes the rules of origin framework and product-specific requirements.
Important Note About Country of Origin
Country of origin and USMCA eligibility are related, but they are not always the same thing.
For example, a product may ship from Mexico but still not qualify for USMCA if it was manufactured in China and only stored or fulfilled from Mexico. The product must meet the applicable USMCA origin rule.
Who Can Complete a USMCA Certification?
A USMCA certification may be completed by the:
Importer
Exporter
Producer
CBP states that no specific form is required, but the certification must contain the required minimum data elements.
Required USMCA Certification Information
A USMCA certification should include the required data elements, including:
Certifier information
Exporter information
Producer information
Importer information
Description and HS tariff classification of the goods
Origin criteria
Blanket period, if applicable
Authorized signature and date
Certification statement confirming the goods qualify
A blanket certification may be used for repeated shipments of the same qualifying goods, as long as the goods and certification period are properly supported.
How to Apply for or Claim USMCA
Step 1: Confirm the shipment lane
Verify that the shipment is moving between the U.S., Mexico, and/or Canada.
Step 2: Confirm the product’s HTS or tariff classification
The product’s tariff classification is needed to determine the applicable USMCA rule of origin.
Step 3: Determine if the product qualifies
Review where the product was made, what materials were used, and whether the product meets the required rule of origin.
Step 4: Collect supporting documentation
This may include supplier statements, bills of material, manufacturing records, origin affidavits, or a completed USMCA certification.
Step 5: Complete the USMCA certification
Use a USMCA certification template or provide the required data elements in another format. A specific form is not required, but the required information must be present.
Step 6: Provide the certification to the importer or customs broker
The importer or broker uses the certification to claim preferential duty treatment during customs entry.
Step 7: Retain records
Keep documentation supporting the USMCA claim in case customs requests verification.
Best Practices to Follow & Summary
Do not claim USMCA unless there is documentation available to support the product’s eligibility. Incorrectly claiming USMCA can result in customs delays, duty corrections, penalties, or loss of preferential treatment.
USMCA can reduce or eliminate duties for qualifying goods moving between the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. However, eligibility is based on rules of origin, not simply the country the goods ship from. Before claiming USMCA, confirm the product classification, origin rule, manufacturing details, and required certification information.