India–NZ FTA eCoO: A Guide for Indian Exporters

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Dated: 14.11.2026

India–NZ FTA eCoO: A Guide for Indian Exporters

Indian exporters shipping goods to New Zealand under the India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (India–NZ FTA) can apply for and receive a Preferential Certificate of Origin (CoO) electronically.

The service, available from 20 October 2026, is delivered through the Trade Connect ePlatform, creating a single digital process for applying, approval, issuance and verification of electronic Certificates of Origin (eCoO).

A Preferential Certificate of Origin helps demonstrate that exported goods qualify for tariff preferences available under the India–NZ FTA. The electronic process is intended to make certification more accessible while strengthening authenticity through system-generated QR codes and digital signatures.

A unified digital route for certificates of origin

The Trade Connect ePlatform at http://www.trade.gov.in serves as the unified platform for electronic Certificates of Origin for Indian exports. For India–NZ FTA shipments, exporters can access the relevant service under “Certificate of Origin.”

Rather than creating separate platform credentials, existing users can log in with their DGFT website credentials. This reduces duplication for exporters already using DGFT digital services.

How to apply for an India–NZ FTA eCoO

Applicants should select “India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (Agency issued)” as the agreement when starting an application. They can then choose an authorised issuing agency from the list available on the platform. The agencies displayed are those authorised under the agreement and notified by the two parties.

The application flow is straightforward:

Log in to Trade Connect using existing DGFT credentials.
Open the Certificate of Origin service and select the India–New Zealand FTA agency-issued option.
Choose an authorised issuing agency from the available list.
Submit the completed application for agency review and approval.
Download the electronic certificate once it has been approved and generated by the system.

Following approval, the platform generates an electronic copy of the certificate bearing a QR code and digital signature. The downloadable certificate also carries the specimen signature of the issuing officer and the stamp of the issuing agency, enabling the exporter to use it for the relevant shipment.

Digital-signature and profile requirements

To avoid processing issues, exporters should ensure that their DGFT and Trade Connect profile information is accurate and current. In particular, the user’s name in the DGFT/Trade Connect profile must match the name recorded in the linked Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) exactly.

Where an IEC holder needs additional user access, extra accounts may be created for the same IEC and linked using a DSC on the DGFT website. Those credentials can then be used on Trade Connect to file and generate eCoOs.

DGFT’s guidance on accepted digital signatures and DSC linking is available through the Learn section of the DGFT website, under Application Help and FAQs and IEC Profile Management. IEC holders should also keep their IEC details updated in the DGFT system so that the correct information is available when completing an eCoO application.

Verifying the authenticity of a certificate

Authorities that need to confirm whether a Certificate of Origin is genuine can use Trade Connect’s Verify Certificate facility. By entering the relevant CoO number, the verifier can view the certificate details recorded on the platform.

This verification mechanism supports faster validation and helps trading partners rely on the authenticity of electronically issued certificates.

Support for exporters and stakeholders

DGFT encourages exporters, issuing agencies and other stakeholders to use its Helpdesk for questions, suggestions or feedback related to the eCoO module. Assistance is available through DGFT’s toll-free support channels and by email at coo-dgft@gov.in.

What this means for exporters

The electronic CoO service gives exporters to New Zealand a digital, traceable route to obtain preferential-origin certification under the India–NZ FTA. By using existing DGFT credentials, maintaining accurate IEC and DSC details, and applying through an authorised agency on Trade Connect, businesses can obtain a digitally signed and QR-enabled certificate for eligible exports.

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!

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Source: DGFT

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