ARAB DOCUMENTS FAQ
What documents do you require in order to produce an Arab C of O and Invoice (certified only & certified and legalized)
In order for us to produce an Arab C of O and Invoice (certified only) or an Arab C of O and invoice (certified and legalized) we will require a copy of the commercial invoice (proforma invoices aren’t permitted), the invoice should include the number of pieces i.e. cartons, boxes, pallets etc, the method of transport and a general description of the goods. Please be aware that C of O’s and invoices must be issued as a set, except for Libya, where you can apply for an Arab C of O certified only or certified and legalized by itself.
What is the current processing time for Arab British Chamber of Commerce Certified only documents?
The current processing time for Arab British Chamber of Commerce Certified only documentation is approximately 24 hours.
What is the current processing time for Arab British Chamber of Commerce Certified and legalized documents?
The current processing time for legalized documentation varies per country. For the most up to date processing time, please contact a member of the Arab Department.
What is the cost for processing Arab documentation?
Due to the fluctuations in currency conversion rates and the fact that some legalized documents are invoice value based, please contact a member of the Arab Department for a quotation.
Do we require Arab C of O’s for Egyptian Legalization?
Although Egypt is an Arab destination, the documents will still be produced under a UK C of O. This is regardless of whether the documents are certified only by the Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce or whether they are certified and legalized by the Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce and the Egyptian Embassy.
What documents are required for Bahrain certification & legalization?
If you require certification and legalization for Bahrain, then we will issue a Bahrain C of O for you which will be legalized only at the Bahrain Embassy as certification is not permitted at the Arab British Chamber of Commerce.
The invoice will be certified at the Arab British Chamber of Commerce before being presented to the Bahrain Embassy so that the legalization process can take place.
What documents do I need to provide you with for Iraq Legalization?
In order for us to process legalized documents for Iraq as quickly and efficiently as possible, we will require the following documents from you:
A commercial invoice (proforma invoices cannot be used) that shows the consignor’s name and address as well as the consignee’s name and address, if you are sending us the original invoice, please ensure it has been manually signed in blue pen as electronic signatures aren’t permitted by Arab British Chamber of Commerce and the Iraq Attache. Please also be advised that the commercial invoice provided MUST be dated within 6 x months of the application being made.
A general description of the goods that are being exported
The number of pieces being exported (i.e., cartons, pallets, boxes) • The gross weight including packaging for the goods
The manufacturers details including name and full address
The Method of Transport (i.e. Roadfreight, Airfreight or Seafreight)
If the goods are being exported under a purchase order number, then we will require a copy of the relevant purchase order
If the goods are manufactured outside of the UK, then we will require a copy of an Export Declaration Letter from the exporter on their headed paper showing a detailed description of the goods as per the commercial invoice, that confirms that the goods were manufactured for their use. This will also need to include the Arab C of O Number that relates to this consignment, if we are preparing the full legalization for you, please speak to a member of the Arab Department as they will provide you with the C of O Number when you make your legalization application.
A copy of the packing list
If a contract number is shown on the commercial invoice, then a copy of the contract must also be provided.
How do I know if I require UK or Arab documentation?
The minimum requirement for most Arab destinations is an Arab C of O and Invoice Certified and Legalized (except for Saudi Arabia which even if Arab Documentation is required is always an Arab C of O and invoice certified only by the Arab British Chamber of Commerce.
You’re permitted to apply for UK documentation even for Arab destinations, but we would always advise speaking to whoever arranges your Customs clearance in the relevant country / countries prior to making your applicant with us, just so that they are able to confirm to you what documentation they are currently able to clear your goods on, as the minimum requirements change continuously.
How long are completed certified / certified and legalized documents valid for?
Any Arab documentation that we complete for you is valid for 1 x year from the date that the certification has taken place.
I need CDN to make a change to the documents that were issued, what do I do? The documents that you issued, have been lost / misplaced. What do I do?
In the circumstance that you require us to make an amendment to the documents that we issued for you, please return the original documents to us along with the amendment(s) that you require us to make. Although please be advised that we are unable to make amendments to the consignor / consignee addresses, or the country / countries of origin.
In the unfortunate circumstance that the documents that we issued for you have been lost / misplaced, please send us a copy of the completed documents that we issued for you along with an unsigned colour copy of the commercial invoice that was previously used, we will also require a new billing from yourselves as we will have to re-issue a new set of documents for you.