DGFT Moves to Fully Digital CoO System

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Dated: 08.04.2026

DGFT Moves to Fully Digital CoO System

In a significant move towards digitization and transparency in international trade documentation, the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has issued Public Notice No. 01/2026-27 dated 07 April 2026, introducing amendments to Para 2.90 of the Handbook of Procedures (HBP) 2023.

This amendment fundamentally alters the process for issuance of Certificates of Origin (CoO) by mandating exclusive use of designated electronic platforms.

Background: What is a Certificate of Origin (CoO)?

A Certificate of Origin is a critical trade document used to establish the origin of goods exported from a country. It plays a crucial role in:

Availing preferential tariff benefits under FTAs
Complying with import regulations of destination countries
Supporting customs clearance processes

As reaffirmed in the amended Para 2.90, CoOs are categorized into:

Preferential CoO
Non-Preferential CoO

Key Amendments Introduced

1. Mandatory Electronic Issuance of CoO

The most important change introduced is:

All authorized agencies must issue Certificates of Origin only through the DGFT-designated electronic platform (currently: https://www.trade.gov.in or any other platform notified).

This effectively eliminates manual or offline issuance mechanisms.

2. Prohibition on Manual Issuance

The notification clearly states:

Manual issuance of CoO outside the designated platform is not permissible
Any such issuance may lead to:
- Revocation of authorization of issuing agencies

This is a strict compliance measure ensuring standardization and traceability.

3. Centralized List of Authorized Agencies

The amended provision clarifies that:

Authorized agencies for issuance of CoO are listed in:
- Appendix 2B, 2C, 2D, and 2E of HBP

This brings clarity and uniformity regarding who can issue CoOs.

4. Platform-Based Application and Processing

All stakeholders must now:

Submit applications digitally
Receive CoO through the designated online system

This ensures:

Real-time tracking
Reduced processing time
Improved audit trail

Effect of the Notification

Authorized agencies may accept and issue Certificates of Origin only from the designated electronic platform specified by DGFT.

Legal and Compliance Implications

For Exporters

Mandatory migration to DGFT portal for CoO applications
Need for digital documentation readiness
No reliance on manual certificates going forward

For Issuing Agencies

Strict compliance with platform-based issuance
Risk of authorization cancellation for non-compliance
Requirement to integrate internal processes with DGFT system

Practical Impact on Trade

This amendment aligns with India’s broader policy goals of:

Trade facilitation (WTO TFA alignment)
Ease of Doing Business
Digital governance and transparency

Expert Insight

From a legal and compliance perspective, this amendment is not merely procedural—it has substantive implications:

Any CoO issued outside the digital system may be legally invalid
Customs authorities (both domestic and foreign) may reject non-compliant CoOs
Exporters must ensure strict adherence to avoid trade disruptions

Conclusion

The DGFT’s amendment to Para 2.90 marks a decisive shift toward complete digitization of origin certification in India. While it enhances efficiency and transparency, it also imposes strict compliance obligations on exporters and issuing agencies alike.

In case you face any issues related to Indirect Tax-Customs, GST, Foreign Trade Policy (FTP), Arbitration matters and Central Licensing and related advisory matters in India then please feel free to get in touch with SJ EXIM Services.

We offer Legal advice and litigation support in matters related to Indirect Tax-Customs, FTP, other Indirect Tax matters & Arbitration law, all sorts of Central licensing and related matters. Come and explore the new way of doing business with us!

Source: DGFT

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