Scenario: a supplier tells you their inserts use non-China tungsten and charges more. Direct answer: ask for evidence that matches the claim, ask what each document actually shows, and treat a claim with no documents as a statement, not a fact. No single document proves origin on its own, and I cannot say which documents any customer will accept. This article is advice, not legal or customs guidance.
Myth and reality
Myth: a certificate of origin settles it
A certificate of origin usually relates to the goods as exported, which may differ from where the raw material was mined. Ask what it covers.
Myth: a mill or material certificate shows the mining country
Material certificates generally describe composition and properties, not the origin of the ore. Ask what the certificate says.
Myth: the supplier’s statement is enough
A statement is a start. Ask for it in writing, signed, and ask what they rely on to make it.
Myth: audits are always conclusive
An audit shows what the auditor saw, on a given date, in a given scope. Ask what was audited and when.
Evidence to ask for
| Evidence | What it might show | What it may not show |
|---|---|---|
| Written supplier declaration | The supplier’s claim and who stands behind it | That the claim is true |
| Purchase records for powder or intermediates | Who sold the material to the supplier | Where it was originally mined |
| Chain-of-custody documents | Handling steps between sites | Completeness without audit |
| Third-party audit report | Practices at the time of audit | Every lot afterwards |
| Lot traceability records | Which batch your parts came from | The origin of the batch inputs |
What to do
The claim only matters if you know what question it is answering.
- Decide why you need the claim: a customer requirement, a policy, a risk concern.
- Ask for the evidence that fits that purpose.
- Record what you received, its date and who gave it.
- Repeat the request when supply changes.
If you buy through a distributor, ask them to pass the question to the manufacturer and to give you the answer in writing. Do not accept a verbal assurance from a sales representative as a substitute for documents.
Boundary: This is not legal or customs advice; it does not say which documents any regulator or customer accepts, and it makes no claim about any supplier.
Further reading on this site.
How SENTHAI Documents Its Capabilities: Claims, Certificates and Evidence ↗Blade Damage Incident Reporting and Warranty Claims: Documenting the Evidence ↗SENTHAI quality control ↗Keeping a Supply-Risk Register Alive: A Monthly and Quarterly Review Routine ↗AD/CVD Orders: How to Check Whether Your Imported Part Category Is Covered ↗Two Tungsten Prices: Why China-Domestic and Export Quotes Diverge ↗
