1. The two instruments
Chamber of commerce certification
Issued by CCPIT.
Apostille
Issued by the designated Chinese authority after notarisation.
2. What each certifies
The chamber certification attests commercial facts.
The apostille certifies the authenticity of a signature, seal or stamp on a public document.
3. Where each is used
Chamber certification
Markets that require it for clearance, tenders and buyer requirements.
Apostille
Document authentication for Convention parties.
4. The overlapping request
An importer asks for “certified and authenticated” documents.
That is two instruments, in sequence.
5. The sequencing question
Chamber certification first, then foreign ministry authentication, then legalisation.
Or notarisation, then apostille.
6. The scenario
A customer asked for a “certified invoice” for a European destination.
The exporter obtained CCPIT certification.
The destination required a notarised and apostilled invoice.
7. The check
Ask for the instrument, or for what the receiving authority will accept.
“Certified” alone is ambiguous.
8. Closing view
Two instruments, similar names, different uses.
Asking which one is cheaper than producing both.
*This article is based on CCPIT certification practice and the Apostille Convention.*