State Chamber announces tool to streamline process for South Carolina’s exporters

The South Carolina Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce a partnership with e-certify that will allow South Carolina businesses to more efficiently secure the documentation they need to do business internationally. Through this online tool, the State Chamber is able manage the stamping and signing of electronic certificates of origin on behalf of South Carolina’s exporters. Interested businesses may visit www.scchamber.net to learn more.

State Chamber President Ted Pitts said, “We are pleased to introduce this new online resource to help South Carolina companies who are doing business internationally. As the state continues to produce record export numbers and attract international business to our borders, the last thing we want is more paperwork to get in the way of trade. This online process will save businesses time.  We look forward to South Carolina businesses being able to use this resource as the state continues building momentum to be the most business friendly state in the country.”

Background:

A Certificate of Origin is a document which states the origin of goods being exported. Virtually every country in the world considers the origin of imported goods when determining what duty will be assessed on the goods or, in some cases, whether the goods may be legally imported at all. Chambers of Commerce are the primary authorized body to stamp these documents. In addition to being required by specific countries, a Certificate of Origin may be requested by customs administrators, importers, freight forwarders or banks for clearance of letters of credit. Electronic Certificates of Origin are the digital version of this document.

Quick Facts:

• South Carolina exports close to $30 billion in goods per year
• South Carolina is the nation’s top exporter of automobiles and tires
• Nearly 6,000 South Carolina Companies send their products to foreign markets