Certificate of Origin (CoO) – DGFT CoO

A Certificate of Origin (CoO) is a critical document in international trade, certifying that the goods being exported are originating from India. It is often required by customs authorities in the importing country to determine the origin of goods, enforce tariff rules, and verify the eligibility for preferential treatment under trade agreements.

India’s Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) offers a centralized, digital platform to streamline the issuance of CoOs, enhancing transparency, authenticity, and ease for Indian exporters.

 Types of Certificate of Origin in India

1. Preferential Certificate of Origin

Issued when goods qualify for preferential tariffs under bilateral or multilateral trade agreements. The exporter must meet Rules of Origin (ROO) requirements to avail benefits.

  Examples of Trade Agreements:

• India–ASEAN Free Trade Agreement

• India–Korea Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA)

• India–Japan CEPA

• South Asia Free Trade Agreement (SAFTA)

• India–Chile PTA

• India–Mauritius CECPA

• India–UAE CEPA

• India–Australia ECTA

  Key Benefits:

• Reduced or zero import duties in the destination country

• Greater competitiveness in global markets

• Boost to exports from India

 Non-Preferential Certificate of Origin

Issued when no FTA is applicable, but the importing country requires proof of origin for:

• Customs clearance

• Trade statistics

• Import controls

• Letter of Credit (LC) conditions

• Buyer-specific contractual requirements

  Issued by:

• Chambers of Commerce (like FIEO, EEPC, Export Promotion Councils)

• DGFT-authorized agencies

 DGFT CoO Portal – Digital Transformation

In alignment with India’s push for digital governance, the DGFT introduced an online platform for exporters to apply for CoOs. This paperless process enhances speed, accuracy, and compliance.

 Features of DGFT CoO Platform:

• 24/7 Online Application Submission

• Auto-validation of IEC & RCMC

• Digital Signatures (DSC-based authentication)

• Upload & auto-fill of product details from Trade Notices

• Real-Time Tracking of application status

• Verifiable QR-code embedded e-Certificate

• Integrated with Indian Customs and global verification portals

 Eligibility to Apply for DGFT CoO

To apply for a CoO through the DGFT portal, the exporter must:

• Hold a valid IEC (Importer Exporter Code)

• Have a valid RCMC (Registration-cum-Membership Certificate) from an Export Promotion Council

• Be registered on the DGFT Services Portal

• Have a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) for online authentication

• Ensure the goods meet the Rules of Origin under the respective trade agreement

 Documents Required for Certificate of Origin

• Export Invoice

• Packing List

• Bill of Lading / Airway Bill

• Declaration of Origin (self-declaration by exporter)

• Manufacturing Process Details

• Product HS Code

• Trade Agreement Reference (for preferential CoO)

• Any other document required by the agreement/country

          Note: Some FTAs require additional product-specific certification, technical processes, or third-party verification.

 Step-by-Step Application Process on DGFT CoO Portal

1. Login at https://coo.dgft.gov.in

2. Go to "Apply Certificate" section

3. Choose the applicable FTA/Trade Agreement

4. Enter Exporter and Consignee Details

5. Fill in the product details, HS Code, origin criterion

6. Upload necessary documents and DSC authentication

7. Submit the application

8. Upon approval, download the digitally signed CoO (PDF with QR code)

 Advantages of DGFT CoO System

•  Faster turnaround with real-time processing

•  Ensures trade compliance under international FTAs

•  Reduces human errors and physical paperwork

•  Saves time and cost for exporters

•  Promotes ease of doing business

•  Integrated with ICEGate and Customs systems

•  Reduces fraud due to QR-based verification

 Role of YKG Global in CoO Facilitation

As a trusted compliance and trade advisory firm, YKG Global assists exporters in managing the complete CoO application process with:

• Document preparation and validation

• FTA-specific origin compliance review

• End-to-end filing on DGFT portal

• Real-time follow-up and tracking

• Liaison with DGFT or EPCs in case of issues or delays

• Guidance on HS Code classification and Rules of Origin

We ensure error-free and timely issuance of CoOs, helping clients avoid customs delays and benefit from tariff advantages globally.