1. What is certified
That the copy conforms to the original.
That the signature is the signatory’s.
That a fact occurred.
2. The evidentiary weight
The certificate is evidence under the forum’s law.
3. What it is used for
Registration
A notarised copy of a certificate presented to a registry.
Tenders
Authenticated originals required as part of the submission.
Judicial proceedings
Documents exhibited as evidence.
Commercial practice
Commercially usages may require it.
4. Where the distinction matters
Chamber of commerce certification is often requested where the notarial stamp is available.
5. The scenario
An exporter, asked for a “certified copy” of its business licence, obtained a chamber certification.
Its British customer’s registration authority required a notarial certificate, and the file was returned.
6. The lesson
Chamber and notarial certification are different and each has uses.
7. The check
Ask which body must certify, not whether certification is required.
8. Closing view
The two instruments have overlapping functions and separate markets.
Choosing between them is a question about the destination.
*This article is based on Chinese notarial practice and CCPIT certification practice.*