Introducing the Open API for Certificate of Origin: Streamlining Trade Documentation with the Trade Connect e-Platform

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Dated: 08.09.2026

Introducing the Open API for Certificate of Origin: Streamlining Trade Documentation with the Trade Connect e-Platform

The Certificate of Origin (CoO) Trade Connect ePlatform introduces a robust Open API framework designed to streamline the submission, processing, issuance, and verification of Certificates of Origin. This digital ecosystem is tailored to reduce manual intervention, eliminate duplicate data entry, and enhance data accuracy for exporters, certifying agencies, and regulatory authorities.

Key Features of the CoO API Framework

Comprehensive Certificate Support
- Preferential Certificates: Issued under Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), Regional Trade Agreements (RTAs), and Preferential Trade Agreements (PTAs), enabling exporters to access tariff concessions in importing countries.
- Non-Preferential Certificates: Issued for compliance, customs clearance, and other trade-related purposes without tariff benefits.
Secure and Standardized Integration
- All API requests and responses are digitally signed using SHA-256 RSA digital signatures and 2048-bit X.509 certificates, ensuring data integrity, sender authentication, and non-repudiation.
- Only whitelisted public IP addresses can access the API, adding an extra layer of security.
Dynamic Validation and Compliance
- The API dynamically validates applications based on the selected trade agreement, enforcing mandatory fields, business validations, and product origin criteria.
- Supported agreements include India-Japan CEPA, India-Korea CEPA, SAFTA, ASEAN-India FTA, India-UAE CEPA, India-Australia ECTA, and more.

Step-by-Step API Integration Process

1. Prerequisites

Obtain onboarding credentials from the API Management section of the CoO Portal.
Add your public IP address(es) to the IP Whitelist.
Ensure your system is configured for digital signing of payloads.

2. Authentication Workflow

Credential Generation: Receive your X-API-Key, User ID, Password, and CoO Public Key from the portal.
Password Encryption: Append a 32-byte dynamic salt to your password and hash it using PBKDF2 (65,536 iterations, 256-bit key).
Token Generation: Call the Authentication API with your credentials to receive an access token (valid for 60 minutes).

3. Application Submission

Use the CoO File API to submit applications in the prescribed format. The API covers:
- Applicant, certificate, importer, producer, invoice, export product, shipment, supporting documents, and declaration information.
Upon successful submission, receive the certificate and associated data.

4. Certificate Verification

Use the Certificate Verification API to validate issued certificates using file or certificate details. The system returns validity status, certificate PDF URL, and verification remarks.

Ledger Management and Transaction Tracking

Each API transaction is logged with statuses such as Draft, In Process, Approved, Certificate Issued, or Rejected.
Key transaction details (Acknowledgement ID, File Number, Certificate Number, etc.) are recorded for audit and compliance.

Supported Trade Agreements and Schemes

The platform supports a wide range of trade agreements, including but not limited to:

India-Japan CEPA (IJCEPA)
India-Korea CEPA (IKCEPA)
SAFTA, SAPTA, ASEAN-India FTA
India-Singapore CECA, India-Malaysia CECA
India-Chile PTA, India-Mercosur PTA
India-UAE CEPA, India-Australia ECTA
India-Oman CEPA, India-EFTA TEPA, India-UK CETA
Generalized System of Preferences (GSP)
Non-Preferential CoO Scheme

Security and Compliance Highlights

All requests and responses are digitally signed for maximum security.
Access is restricted to whitelisted IP addresses.
OTP-based validation is required for credential management.

Conclusion

The CoO Trade Connect ePlatform API offers a secure, efficient, and standardized approach to managing Certificates of Origin, supporting a wide array of trade agreements and ensuring compliance with international trade requirements. By integrating with this API, exporters and agencies can significantly enhance operational efficiency and data reliability.

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!

We specialize in paralegal services, litigation support, tax and regulatory matters, delivering reliable, efficient, and result-oriented legal assistance.

Source: DGFT

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