CUSMA vs USMCA certificate of origin
Last updated 3 October 2026
Quick answer
They are the same thing. CUSMA and USMCA are two names for one trade agreement, and its certification of origin is built from the same nine minimum data elements whichever of the three countries the goods are going to. (Global Affairs Canada; U.S. CBP)
This guide explains names and documents. It does not tell you whether your goods qualify.
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Make my certificate →Are CUSMA, USMCA and T-MEC the same agreement?
- CUSMA — the Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement. The name used by the Government of Canada in English. (Global Affairs Canada)
- ACEUM — Accord Canada–États-Unis–Mexique, the Canadian French name. (Affaires mondiales Canada)
- USMCA — the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement. Global Affairs Canada describes CUSMA as “also known as USMCA in the United States”, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection uses that name. (Global Affairs Canada; CBP)
- T-MEC — the name used in Mexico, for Tratado entre México, Estados Unidos y Canadá. (Embassy of Mexico)
Whatever the name, it entered into force on July 1, 2020 and replaced the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). (CBSA; CBP)
Is the certificate the same in all three countries?
The certification of origin has no prescribed format. What makes it valid is a set of minimum data elements listed in Annex 5-A of the agreement’s Chapter 5. (CUSMA Article 5.2 and Annex 5-A) Both sides of the border say so in their own words:
- CBP: “Any format is acceptable, provided it contains nine (9) minimum data elements set out in USMCA, Annex 5-A.” (CBP)
- CBSA: the minimum data elements “are uniform between Canada, the United States, and Mexico, and are acceptable for use in all three countries.” (CBSA D11-4-14, Appendix F)
So a “USMCA certificate of origin” for goods going into the United States and a “CUSMA certificate of origin” for goods coming into Canada contain the same elements and the same prescribed certification statement.
Is it a certificate or a certification of origin?
The agreement’s own term is certification of origin, and CBP uses it too. CBSA uses both; one of its memoranda has a heading that reads “Certificates of Origin (Certifications of Origin) for CPTPP and CUSMA”. (CBSA D11-4-14) There is no difference in what the document must contain.
What differs between Canada, the U.S. and Mexico?
The document is common; the customs procedures around it are run by each country. Some examples from official sources:
- Low-value shipments. The agreement lets each country skip the requirement for importations valued at US$1,000 or less, or a higher amount it chooses. Canada does not require a certification where the value for duty is CAD$3,300 or less, with conditions. (CUSMA Article 5.5; CBSA)
- Record keeping. The agreement sets a minimum of five years. CBSA says six years for those in Canada who certify origin. (CUSMA Article 5.8; CBSA D11-4-14; Exporters' and Producers' Records Regulations; Imported Goods Records Regulations)
- Language. A certification may be completed in English, French or Spanish; if it is not in a language of the importing country, that country may ask for a translation. (CUSMA Article 5.2.5)
- Templates. CBP offers an optional fillable template and says using it is “in no way compulsory”. CBSA publishes worked examples rather than a form. (CBP; CBSA)
For how a claim is filed at the U.S. or Mexican border, check with that country’s customs administration or a licensed customs broker.
Can you still use a NAFTA certificate?
It no longer works for new shipments. CBSA says it is not possible to claim NAFTA preferential tariff treatment for goods released after July 1, 2020, and that a NAFTA certificate of origin is only valid for eligible goods released before that date. (CBSA overview; CBSA D11-4-14) NAFTA had its own certificate; CUSMA replaced it with the data-element approach described above.
Sources
- The Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) — Global Affairs Canada
- CUSMA Chapter 5 (Origin Procedures) and Annex 5-A — Global Affairs Canada
- U.S.–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA) — U.S. Customs and Border Protection
- Certification of Origin Template — U.S. Customs and Border Protection
- CUSMA: What importers need to know — CBSA
- Overview of key changes affecting imports — CBSA
- Memorandum D11-4-14, Certification of Origin Under Free Trade Agreements — CBSA
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