Canadian companies that sell products outside of Canada often request their Chamber of Commerce to certify various documents. These documents often pertain to export shipments by companies, visas, certificates of good standing, and so on.  If an exporter / company does not obtain the necessary certifications, it could result in costly delays. In many countries there is a requirement or an understanding that the stamp or seal of a Chamber on a document lends credibility or authenticity to what is stated in the document. We are happy to provide this service for you.

Certifications are usually based on the requirements of various countries and do not reflect any requirement of the Canadian government.

1. Certificates of Origin
Certain countries require a certificate of origin for exportation of goods. A certificate of origin is a document that states the origin of the goods being exported. Without the Chamber stamp and/or seal, some countries will not allow goods into their country.

It is the exporter’s responsibility to obtain a certificate of origin form and to determine whether a certificate of origin is necessary. For your convenience, a template has been provided on the right hand column on this web page for you to download a certificate of origin template that you can review and complete at your office. Once completed, you can bring it to the Chamber office for signing and sealing. If you have any questions about the form, please feel free to call one of our helpful staff.

2. Invoices & Other Shipping Documents
Often the Chamber is asked to certify invoices or other shipping documents along with the certificate of origin. This provides the importing country with greater assurance that the information being provided by an importer is correct. We provide this service for your benefit.

3. Letter of Confirmation for Member in Good Standing
The Chamber of Commerce is often requested by local companies to provide letters confirming Chamber membership when they are submitting a business proposal to another country. We are happy to provide this service to members in good standing of the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce.

4. Letter of Introduction
A package of special documentation that introduces Canadian business people or companies looking to do business in some countries is often required to introduce them to potential business partners in other countries.  The stamp and seal of the Chamber gives authenticity to the Canadian businessperson or company.  For your convenience, introduction letters are available to members in good standing of the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce.

5. Visa Application Letters
The Chamber of Commerce often certifies visa application letters for executives making applications to foreign embassies. These letters present the applicant, the purpose of their visit to the foreign country, and requests that the Embassy grant the appropriate visa.

The applicant is asked to present to the Chamber their completed visa application form from the Embassy of the country to which they are traveling, at which time the Chamber will be pleased to stamp and seal the letter.

The application letter must be addressed to the Embassy in the foreign country, typed on company letterhead, and signed by a company senior official. It must also include: name of applicant, nationality, passport number, date of issue of passport, expiry date, place of birth, date of birth, occupation, name of inviting company and period of stay in foreign country.

6. Certificate of Free Sale
To comply with some trade regulations, this document’s purpose is to demonstrate to foreign governments or regulatory authorities that a specific commodity is generally available in Canada.

Notarization / Letter of Waiver
Notarization is a process that certifies a person’s sworn statement that the facts described in his/her signed documents are true. The Chamber of Commerce requires that certificates of origin and other documents be notarized before the Chamber signs them. If an exporter frequently uses the Chamber’s export document certification program, they may keep a letter of waiver on file at the Chamber office that is a permanent form of notarization. It states that they take responsibility for the documents that they present to the Chamber.  Therefore, the exporter does not require each document to be notarized every time they are shipping abroad. To obtain a letter of waiver template, click on the template in the right hand column of this web page.

A lawyer, notary public or commissioner of oaths can provide notarization. Visit the Chamber’s Member Directory on our website to find a list of lawyers and notaries who may offer notarization.

Certification Fees
The export document certification program offers services at a minimal charge to members of the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce.  This service is also offered to non-members for a fee. Non Members are required to pay in full upon document certification.