Do you need a CUSMA certificate for shipments under US$2,500?
Last checked 13 October 2026
Quick answer
For the United States, usually not. A certification of origin is not required for a commercial importation where the value of the originating goods does not exceed US$2,500, unless the shipment is part of a series arranged to get around the rule. (19 CFR 182.14; CBP USMCA FAQ)
Records still have to be kept, and your customer or their broker may ask for one anyway. Above US$2,500, a certification is required to claim CUSMA rates.
The rule
CUSMA lets each country waive the certification for low-value importations, at US$1,000 or any higher amount it sets. (CUSMA Article 5.5) The United States set its amount at US$2,500. Its regulation says an importer is not required to submit a certification of origin for:
- a non-commercial importation of a good, or
- a commercial importation where the value of the originating goods does not exceed US$2,500.
The exception: splitting shipments
The waiver does not apply where CBP finds that low-value entries are part of a series of importations made or planned to avoid the certification requirement. In that case the importer must provide a certification within 30 days of being notified, or the claim is denied. (19 CFR 182.14)
Records still count
CBP’s instructions say the record-keeping duty on importers, exporters and producers applies even where a certification is not required. (CBP USMCA Implementing Instructions) The goods must still meet the rules of origin, and customs can still verify the claim. (CUSMA Article 5.9)
Why your customer may still ask for one
The importer is the one who claims CUSMA, and the one customs comes back to if the claim is questioned. (CUSMA Articles 5.4 and 5.9) So some importers and brokers ask for a certification on every shipment, whatever its value. If yours does, a blanket certification can cover repeat shipments of the same goods for up to 12 months. (CUSMA Article 5.2)
Shipping by mail?
Postal shipments follow different rules from 22 October 2026. See: shipping to the U.S. by Canada Post.
Going the other way
For goods coming into Canada, CBSA does not require a certification where the value for duty does not exceed CAD$3,300, with conditions. (CBSA overview)
Over US$2,500, or asked for one? Fill in the form and download a ready-to-sign PDF.
Make my certificate →Sources
- 19 CFR 182.14, Exceptions to certification of origin requirement — Code of Federal Regulations
- USMCA FAQs — U.S. Customs and Border Protection
- USMCA Implementing Instructions — U.S. Customs and Border Protection
- CUSMA Chapter 5 (Origin Procedures) — Global Affairs Canada
- Overview of key changes affecting imports — CBSA
OriginCert prepares the document. It does not decide whether your goods qualify.