COO DGFT – Certificate of Origin

 Exporting goods from India requires multiple compliance documents, and one of the most important among them is the Certificate of Origin (COO). Whether you are exporting garments, chemicals, machinery, food products, or manufactured goods, the importing country often demands proof of where your goods were produced.

This is where the COO issued by DGFT (Directorate General of Foreign Trade) becomes essential.
It verifies that your goods are genuinely manufactured, processed, or obtained in India and qualifies them for trade benefits under various trade agreements.

This complete guide explains what DGFT COO is, its types, the application process, required documents, benefits, and how YKG Global helps exporters obtain the certificate quickly and hassle-free.

What is a DGFT COO (Certificate of Origin)?

A Certificate of Origin (COO) is an official document issued by an authorized government body that certifies the origin of exported goods.
In India, COOs are issued through:

 1. DGFT (Directorate General of Foreign Trade)

 2. Export Inspection Council (EIC)

 3. Chambers of Commerce

 4. Development Authorities

DGFT handles both Preferential and Non-Preferential COOs, but the most widely used platform is the Common Digital Platform for Certificate of Origin managed by DGFT.

Why is COO Important for Exporters?

A Certificate of Origin is mandatory because:

 1. Importing countries require it for customs clearance

 2. It helps buyers verify the authenticity and origin of products

 3. It is required to claim tariff concessions under Free Trade Agreements

 4. It prevents misuse of trade benefits

 5. It increases the credibility of exported goods

Without a COO, goods may be delayed, rejected, or charged higher customs duty at the destination port.

Types of DGFT COO

DGFT issues two main types of Certificates of Origin:

1. Preferential COO (P-COO)

Used when India has a trade agreement with the importing country.

This certificate allows exporters to claim reduced or zero customs duty under India’s various trade agreements such as:

 1. ASEAN–India FTA

 2. India–Sri Lanka FTA

 3. SAFTA

 4. India–Japan CEPA

 5. India–South Korea CEPA

 6. India–Chile PTA

 7. India–Nepal Treaty

 8. India–Malaysia CECA

Preferential COO is issued only when the goods meet the Rules of Origin criteria under the specific trade agreement.

2. Non-Preferential COO (NP-COO)

Issued for countries where India does not have a trade agreement.

This certificate is required simply to declare that the goods being exported originated in India.
Customs departments in the importing country demand it for:

 1. Product verification

 2. Anti-dumping checks

 3. Consignment authenticity

Who Issues COO Under DGFT?

DGFT has created a single unified digital platform where exporters can apply for:

 1. Preferential COO

 2. Non-Preferential COO

 3. The certificate is issued by:

 4. DGFT Regional Offices

 5. Export Inspection Agencies

 6. Commodity Boards

 7. Chambers of Commerce (authorized by DGFT)

Step-by-Step Process to Apply for DGFT COO Online

Registering for COO under DGFT is done fully online through the official Certificate of Origin Portal.

Step 1: Register on the DGFT COO Platform

Use your IEC number and link it with your DSC (Digital Signature Certificate).

Step 2: Fill Application Details

 1. Provide details such as:

 2. Exporter’s name and IEC

 3. Importer details

 4. Export destination

 5. Description of goods

 6. HSN code

 7. Country of origin

 8. Invoice & packing list details

Step 3: Upload Required Documents

The platform requires clear PDF scans of all mandatory documents.

Step 4: Pay the Government Fee

  Fees vary depending on:

 1. Type of COO

 2. Issuing authority

Step 5: Verification by DGFT / Issuing Authority

Your application is checked for:

 1. Accuracy

 2. Eligibility under trade agreements

 3. Rules of origin compliance

Step 6: Certificate Issued Digitally

Once approved, the DGFT platform issues a digitally signed COO, downloadable in PDF format.

Documents Required for DGFT COO

You need the following documents:

 1. IEC (Importer Exporter Code)

 2. Commercial Invoice

 3. Packing List

 4. Bill of Lading / Airway Bill (if applicable)

 5. Declaration of origin

 6. Manufacturing proof (if required)

 7. Purchase orders / production records

 8. Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)

 9. Registration on DGFT portal

In some cases, additional documents may be requested to verify Rules of Origin.

 1. Processing Time for COO DGFT

 2. Preferential COO: 1–3 working days

 3. Non-Preferential COO: Same day or next day

 4. Fast-track options may be available depending on the issuing authority

The entire process is online, making it faster than traditional manual applications.

Benefits of DGFT COO for Exporters

 1. Smooth customs clearance at the destination country

 2. Eligibility for duty reductions under FTAs

 3. Enhanced global Trade compliance

 4. Strengthened buyer trust and credibility

 5. Standardized digital certificate format

 6. Transparent and efficient verification process

Common Mistakes Exporters Should Avoid

 1. Incorrect HSN code

 2. Mismatch between invoice and packing list

 3. Incomplete description of goods

 4. Wrong FTA selection

 5. Not meeting Rules of Origin

 6. Submitting blurred documents

These errors can delay certificate issuance or lead to rejection.

Why Choose YKG Global for COO (DGFT) Certificate Assistance?

YKG Global provides complete support for exporters across India:

 1. Fast, hassle-free COO application

 2. Preferential & Non-Preferential COO support

 3. Assistance with Rules of Origin compliance

 4. DGFT portal registration support

 5. Document preparation and verification

 6. End-to-end digital filing

 7. Expert team with years of DGFT experience

We simplify the entire process so exporters can focus on business, not paperwork.