American World Trade Chamber of Commerce

Terms & Conditions, Policies, and Disclaimers

Last Updated: December 1, 2025

By submitting documents to the American World Trade Chamber of Commerce (“AWTCC”) either physically or through the Chamber Certification™ platform, the submitting party (“Client”) acknowledges and agrees to be bound by the following Terms and Conditions, as amended from time to time.

1. Scope of Chamber Certification Services
These Terms and Conditions apply to all documents submitted to AWTCC for chamber certification, including, without limitation: Certificates of Origin; Certificates of Free Sale; commercial invoices; manufacturer declarations; export statements, affidavits, and attestations; and other commercial or trade-related documents. Each document submitted to AWTCC for certification is governed independently by these Terms.

2. Nature and Effect of Certification
Certification of any document by AWTCC shall not be construed as a guarantee, warranty, or endorsement, whether express or implied, of the contents of such document. Chamber certification is a procedural act performed solely on the basis of information and/or declarations provided by the Client. AWTCC does not investigate, audit, or independently verify the accuracy, completeness, legality, or regulatory compliance of statements contained in documents submitted for certification.

Certification confirms only that the document, as submitted, was presented to AWTCC and processed in accordance with AWTCC’s certification procedures as of the date of certification, including being recorded in AWTCC’s utilized instance of the Chamber Certification™ platform and rendered non-alterable within AWTCC’s records thereafter (a “Filed” document).

3. Applicant Representations and Warranties
By submitting any document for chamber certification, the Client represents, warrants, and affirms that all information contained in the submitted document(s) is true, accurate, complete, and not misleading; that the document(s) accurately reflect the underlying commercial, manufacturing, and export facts; and that the Client has full authority to submit the document(s) and bind the exporting or manufacturing entity. AWTCC relies exclusively on these representations.

4. Certificates of Origin
For Certificates of Origin, the Client further represents and warrants that the goods originate in the country or countries stated on the Certificate; applicable rules of origin have been correctly applied; and supporting documentation substantiating origin is maintained and can be produced upon lawful request. Certificates of Origin are issued in accordance with International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) World Chambers Federation guidelines.

5. Certificates of Free Sale
For Certificates of Free Sale, the Client represents and warrants that the goods identified are lawfully manufactured, and freely sold in the stated jurisdiction; all factual, regulatory, and market-access representations are accurate; and any required governmental registrations, approvals, or authorizations have been obtained. AWTCC relies entirely on the Client’s representations in issuing such certificates.

6. Other Documents
For all documents other than Certificates of Origin and Certificates of Free Sale, AWTCC’s role is strictly limited to certifying that the document has been submitted to AWTCC and recorded as a Filed document. AWTCC does not certify, attest to, or confirm the factual accuracy, legal sufficiency, regulatory compliance, or acceptance of such documents by customs authorities, banks, or other third parties.

7. Reliance by Recipients and Third Parties
Any recipient, customs authority, financial institution, counterparty, or other third party receiving a document certified by AWTCC acknowledges that AWTCC relies entirely on the representations of the Client and does not independently verify document contents. Chamber certification does not constitute a determination of compliance, authenticity, or legal sufficiency. Any reliance is undertaken at the recipient’s own discretion and risk.

8. Duty to Correct and Notify
The Client undertakes to promptly notify AWTCC in writing of any inaccuracy, omission, or material change discovered after certification that may affect the accuracy or intended use of a certified document.

9. Recordkeeping and Retention
The Client shall retain all underlying records supporting certified documents for the period required by applicable law. AWTCC will retain copies of certified documents and submitted background materials for a minimum of seven (7) years from the date of certification, unless a longer retention period is required by law.

10. Changes to Approved Documents
In accordance with ICC Certificate of Origin Guidelines, AWTCC is unable to make changes to documents once they have been approved and certified. If changes are required, the Client must submit a new application.

The Client may create a new application by locating the previously issued document in the Chamber Certification™ platform “History” section and using the copy function. This creates a new application in which changes may be made prior to resubmission.

If a replacement document is requested within the same calendar month as the original issuance, AWTCC may, at its discretion, apply a reduced reissue fee of USD 10.00 per document. The Client must note that the submission is a replacement in the Special Instructions section of the application. If the replacement request is made in a different month, the standard fee applies; however, the Client must still indicate that the submission is a replacement so that the original document may be voided in accordance with ICC guidelines.

To avoid the need for reapplication, Clients may prepare documents in draft form prior to chamber submission. Draft documents may be saved using the “Save as Draft” function and previewed for internal or buyer review. Once all necessary approvals are obtained, the Client may log in, make any required edits, and submit the document for chamber certification.

11. Lawful Disclosure
AWTCC may disclose certified documents and related records where required by subpoena, court order, or other lawful governmental demand, without liability.

12. Indemnification and Limitation of Liability
The Client agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless AWTCC, its officers, directors, employees, and agents from all claims, losses, penalties, damages, or expenses (including reasonable legal fees) arising from inaccurate or misleading submissions, misuse of certified documents, or reliance by third parties.

To the fullest extent permitted by law, AWTCC shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, consequential, special, or punitive damages, including without limitation loss of profits, loss of business, or loss of market access, even if advised of the possibility of such damages.

In any event, and to the fullest extent permitted by law, AWTCC’s total aggregate liability arising out of or relating to any document submitted for chamber certification, whether in contract, tort (including negligence), or otherwise, shall not exceed the fees actually paid to AWTCC for the specific application or certification giving rise to the claim.

13. Standards and Procedures
AWTCC performs chamber certification services in accordance with International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) World Chambers Federation guidelines. AWTCC, at its sole discretion, reserves the right to refuse certification where submissions are incomplete, inconsistent, or present elevated risk.

14. Privacy Policy
AWTCC is committed to the privacy and security of its members, registrants, and visitors. AWTCC does not sell or share personal information with third parties. AWTCC and Chamber Certification may collect limited information regarding website usage and platform interaction in order to improve usability, accessibility, system performance, and service delivery.

15. Governing Law
These Terms and Conditions shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the United States of America and the State of New York.