Certificate of Origin (CoO) — A Complete Guide for Exporters in India

 

certificate of origin

The Certificate of Origin (CoO) is one of the most important documents in international trade. It certifies that the goods being exported are manufactured or produced in a particular country. In India, the DGFT (Directorate General of Foreign Trade) is the nodal authority for issuing and managing Certificates of Origin through its online Common Digital Platform for CoO.

For Indian exporters, obtaining a CoO is often mandatory to avail benefits under trade agreements, claim duty exemptions, and ensure smooth customs clearance at the importing country’s port. This guide explains everything exporters need to know about the Certificate of Origin, its types, application process, and benefits.

What is a Certificate of Origin (CoO)?

A Certificate of Origin is an official document that declares the country where goods are manufactured or produced. It is used by importing country authorities to:

  • Determine the origin of goods.

  • Apply appropriate customs duties.

  • Verify eligibility under Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) or Preferential Trade Agreements (PTAs).

Without a valid CoO, exporters may face delays, higher tariffs, or even rejection of consignments at foreign ports.

Types of Certificate of Origin in India

In India, Certificates of Origin are broadly classified into two types:

1. Preferential Certificate of Origin

  • Issued for exports under Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and Regional Trade Agreements (RTAs).

  • Provides tariff concessions or exemptions to Indian exporters in partner countries.

  • Examples: SAFTA, ASEAN-India FTA, India-Japan CEPA, India-Korea CEPA, etc.

2. Non-Preferential Certificate of Origin

  • Certifies the origin of goods without providing tariff concessions.

  • Required by certain countries for customs purposes, even if no FTA exists.

  • Issued by designated chambers of commerce or agencies authorized by DGFT.

Who Issues Certificate of Origin in India?

The DGFT has created a Common Digital Platform for Certificate of Origin (CoO) to streamline issuance. Depending on the type, it can be issued by:

  • DGFT-authorized Export Promotion Councils (EPCs)

  • Chambers of Commerce (for non-preferential CoO)

  • Trade Authorities under FTAs

Importance of CoO for Exporters

Having a Certificate of Origin benefits exporters in many ways:

  • Ensures smooth customs clearance in importing countries.

  • Helps exporters claim preferential duty benefits.

  • Reduces overall landed cost of goods, making exports more competitive.

  • Builds credibility and compliance trust with overseas buyers.

  • Facilitates global market expansion under trade agreements.

Application Process for Certificate of Origin

Exporters can apply for CoO through the DGFT’s e-CoO platform:

  • Register on the DGFT portal with an IEC (Import Export Code).

  • Select the agreement type – preferential or non-preferential.

  • Upload required documents, such as:

    • Invoice & Packing List

    • Bill of Lading / Airway Bill

    • Manufacturing declaration

    • Product details (HS Code, description, quantity, value)

  • Pay the applicable fee online.

  • Certificate is digitally signed and issued electronically.

Documents Required for CoO

  • Import Export Code (IEC)

  • Commercial Invoice & Packing List

  • Bill of Lading or Airway Bill

  • Product details with HS Code

  • Manufacturer’s Declaration

  • Proof of origin (if applicable under FTA)

Validity of Certificate of Origin

  • Preferential CoO – Generally valid for 12 months from issue date, unless specified under the FTA.

  • Non-Preferential CoO – Validity depends on importing country’s requirement, usually shipment-specific.

Benefits of Digital Certificate of Origin

With the DGFT’s digital platform, exporters enjoy:

  • Online submission and approval of applications.

  • Faster issuance and verification.

  • Reduced paperwork and physical visits.

  • Transparency and security with digital signatures.

  • Global acceptance of electronically issued CoOs.

Challenges in Obtaining CoO

  • Lack of awareness about FTA benefits among exporters.

  • Incorrect HS Code classification leading to rejection.

  • Incomplete or mismatched documentation.

  • Technical issues on the DGFT platform.

How YKG Global Helps

At YKG Global, we assist exporters with:

  • CoO application filing on the DGFT portal.

  • Ensuring correct HS Code classification.

  • Documentation support and verification.

  • Advisory on FTA benefits and duty savings.

  • End-to-end export compliance services.

With decades of expertise in international trade, we ensure hassle-free CoO issuance for our clients.

The Certificate of Origin (CoO) is a crucial document for Indian exporters to claim trade benefits, meet customs compliance, and strengthen global competitiveness. With DGFT’s digital CoO platform, the process has become faster, more reliable, and transparent.

Exporters should ensure they apply correctly, provide accurate documents, and take professional help if needed. Securing a CoO not only ensures smoother shipments but also unlocks preferential duty advantages under India’s trade agreements.

📧 Email: Rishi@ykgglobal.com
🌐 Website: www.ykgglobal.com
📱 Call/WhatsApp: +91 76782 77665
📍 Offices: Delhi | Mumbai | Dubai | Singapore


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