Certificates of Origin (CoO) For Exports under FTA Explained by DGFT, Para 2.62 Expanded along with Handbook Para 2.90

Structural Change in Para 2.62

·         Earlier: Focused only on Approved Exporter Scheme (self-certification)

·         Now: Divided into two parts:

o    (a) Issuance of CoO (newly inserted)

o    (b) Approved Exporter Scheme (retained & detailed)

(a) Issuance of Certificates of Origin (New Provisions)

·         Restricted issuance

o    CoO can be issued only by DGFT-authorised agencies

·         Standardised procedure

o    Agencies must follow DGFT-prescribed manner for issuance

·         Mandatory invoice linkage (Key Compliance Change)

o    Exporters must use same invoice number in:

§  CoO

§  Shipping Bill

o    Enables automated verification and tracking

(b) Approved Exporter Scheme (Self-Certification)

·         Existing system continues

o    CoOs under FTAs/PTAs/CECAs/CEPAs issued by designated agencies

·         Optional self-certification introduced

o    Aimed at reducing transaction cost and time

·         Eligibility

o    Only Manufacturer exporters who are Status Holders

·         Scope of self-certification

o    Allowed only for goods manufactured by exporter

o    Must be backed by:

§  IEM / Industrial License / LOI

·         Recognition by DGFT

o    Exporters approved as “Approved Exporters” based on:

§  Infrastructure

§  Capacity

§  Skilled manpower

·         Operationalisation condition

o    Scheme effective only when incorporated in specific FTAs/PTAs and notified

·         Bilateral applicability

o    Applies only where partner country permits under agreement terms

·         Penalty & procedural details

o    Specified in Appendix 2F of HBP

Key Takeaway

·         Major shift: Introduction of strict CoO issuance controls + digital verification (invoice matching)

·         Ease of business: Trusted exporters get self-certification benefits

·         Overall impact: Improves compliance, transparency, and efficiency in export certification

 

[DGFT Notification No. 05/2026-27 dated 7 April, 2026]

Effect of this Notification: Certificates of Origin can only be issued by agencies authorised for the purpose. Exporters are mandated to use identical invoice numbers in Certificates of Origin and Shipping Bills to enable automated utilisation verification.

Subject: Amendments to Para 2.62 of Foreign Trade Policy 2023.

S.O.(E) In the exercise of powers conferred by Section 5 of the Foreign Trade (Development & Regulation) Act, 1992, as amended from time to time, read with Para 1.02 of the Foreign Trade Policy 2023, the Central Government hereby makes the following amendments to Para 2.62 with immediate effect in Chapter 2 of FTP 2023:

 

 

Para No.

Existing Para

Amended Para

2.62

Approved Exporter Scheme for Self-Certification of Certificate of Origin

2.62. (a) Issuance of Certificates of Origin

(i) Certificates of Origin (CoO) for exports from India can only be issued by agencies authorized by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade.

(ii) The authorized agencies shall issue CoOs in a manner as prescribed by DGFT from time to time.

(iii) All IEC holders availing Coos shall use the same invoice numbers in both CoOs and corresponding Shipping Bills to enable automated verification.

(b) Approved Exporter Scheme for Self-Certification of Certificate of Origin

(i)    Currently, Certificates of Origin under various Preferential Trade Agreements [PTA], Free Trade Agreements [FTAs], Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreements [CECA] and Comprehensive Economic Partnerships Agreements [CEPA] are issued by designated agencies as per Appendix 28 of Appendices and Aayat Niryat Forms. A new optional system of self-certification is being introduced with a view to reducing transaction cost.

(ii)   The Manufacturers who are also Status Holders shall be eligible for Approved Exporter Scheme. Approved Exporters will be entitled to self-certify their manufactured goods as originating from India with a view to qualifying for preferential treatment under different PTAs/ FTAs/ CECAs/ CEPAs which are in operation. Self-certification will be permitted only for the goods that are manufactured as per the Industrial Entrepreneurs Memorandum (IEM) I Industrial License (IL)/Letter of Intent (LOI) issued to manufacturers.

(iii)  Status Holders will be recognized by DGFT as Approved Exporters for self- certification based on availability of required infrastructure, capacity and trained manpower as per the details in Para 2.94 of Handbook of Procedures read with Appendix 2F of Appendices & Aayaat Niryat Forms.

(iv)  The details of the Scheme, along with the penalty provisions, are provided in Appendix 2F of Appendices and Aayaat Niryat Forms and will come into effect only when India incorporates the scheme into a specific agreement with its partner/s and the same is appropriately notified by DGFT. Further the entities to whom such self-certification will be extended bilaterally under FTA/PTA will be subject to the provisions and conditions of that FTA.

 

i) Currently, Certificates of Origin under various Preferential Trade Agreements [PTA], Free Trade Agreements [FTAs], Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreements [CECA] and Comprehensive Economic Partnerships Agreements [CEPA] are issued by designated agencies as per Appendix 28 of Appendices and Aayat Niryat Forms. A (new optional system of self- certification is being introduced with a view to reducing transaction cost.

 

The Manufacturers who are also Status Holders shall be eligible for Approved Exporter Scheme. Approved Exporters will be entitled to self-certify their manufactured goods as originating from India with a view to qualifying for preferential treatment under different PTAs/FTAs/CECAs/ CEPAs which are in operation. Self­ certification will be permitted only for the goods that are manufactured as per the Industrial Entrepreneurs Memorandum (IEM) I Industrial License (IL) /Letter of Intent (LOI) issued to manufacturers.

 

Status Holders will be recognized by DGFT as Approved Exporters for self- certification based on availability of required infrastructure, capacity and trained manpower as per the details in Para 2.94 of Handbook of Procedures read with Appendix 2F of Appendices & Aayaat Niryat Forms.

 

The details of the Scheme, along with the penalty provisions, are provided in Appendix 2F of Appendices and Aayaat Niryat Forms and will come into effect only when India incorporates the scheme into a specific agreement with its partner/s and the same is appropriately notified by DGFT. Further the entities to whom such self-certification will be extended bilaterally under FTA/PTA will be subject to the provisions and conditions of that FTA.

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Issued from F. No. 01/02/60/AM-25/EG&TF)