What Is a Certificate of Origin and How Do Indian Exporters Get One?
- Author:
- Manoj Sharma
- Verified by:
- Editorial team
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Short answer
A certificate of origin is a document that shows where exported goods were made. India has two types: preferential, for tariff concessions under trade agreements, and non-preferential, for general proof of origin. Authorised agencies issue both online through the DGFT Trade Connect ePlatform. A non-preferential certificate costs Rs 200.
| Applies to | Governed by | Deadline | Penalty | Last verified |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exporters of goods from India whose buyer, bank or the importing country's customs asks for proof of origin | Foreign Trade Policy 2023 para 2.62 and Handbook of Procedures paras 2.88 to 2.94 (DGFT), with Appendices 2B to 2F and 2K | No fixed filing deadline; DGFT says the certificate is delivered within 24 hours or one working day of application | No fixed penalty for exporters in the CoO paras; without a valid preferential CoO the importer may not get the tariff concession | 8 Oct 2026 |
What is a certificate of origin for Indian exports?
A certificate of origin (CoO) is an instrument that establishes evidence on the origin of goods imported into any country, as defined in Handbook of Procedures para 2.90(a). The importing country's customs uses it to decide which tariff and trade rules apply to the goods.
- Two categories: Para 2.90(b) of the Handbook of Procedures sets out two categories of CoO: preferential and non-preferential.
- Preferential: Issued under Free Trade Agreements, Regional Trade Agreements and Preferential Trade Agreements, so the exporter's buyer can claim tariff concessions in the importing country (DGFT Trade Notice 25/2026-27, Annexure I, para 1.1).
- Non-preferential: Issued for compliance, customs clearance, trade remedy implementation and other trade purposes, without any preferential tariff benefit (Trade Notice 25/2026-27, Annexure I, para 1.2). These certificates evidence origin and do not give any right to preferential tariffs (HBP para 2.93(b)).
- Issuer: Only agencies authorised by DGFT can issue a CoO for exports from India (Foreign Trade Policy para 2.62(a)). The agency lists sit in Appendices 2B, 2C, 2D and 2E (HBP para 2.90(c)).
- Platform: All authorised agencies must accept applications and issue CoOs only through trade.gov.in or another platform DGFT designates. Manual issuance outside the platform is not allowed (HBP para 2.90(d)).
In short, a preferential CoO can lower the buyer's import duty under a trade agreement, while a non-preferential CoO only proves that the goods are Indian. For a shorter definition, see What Is Certificate of Origin?.
Who needs a certificate of origin when exporting from India?
Exporters of goods need a certificate of origin when the buyer, a letter of credit or the importing country's customs asks for one. A CoO covers goods (HBP para 2.90(a)), so exporters of services such as freelancers usually have no use for one.
| Exporter type | Which CoO | Why | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exporter shipping to a country India has a trade agreement with | Preferential CoO from an Appendix 2B agency | The importing country grants the tariff concession only when the agreement's rules of origin are met (HBP para 2.91(a) and (c)) | Buyers in FTA and PTA partner countries who want lower duty |
| Exporter shipping to a country with no agreement, or where the buyer only needs proof of origin | Non-preferential CoO from an Appendix 2E agency | It proves origin for customs clearance and other purposes (HBP para 2.93(b) and (c)) | General exports and letters of credit that ask for a CoO |
| Manufacturer exporter who is also a Status Holder | Self-certified non-preferential CoO | Self-certification is allowed if the goods meet the para 2.93(a) criteria (HBP para 2.93(e)) | Large manufacturers with Status Holder recognition |
| Exporter to the UK under India-UK CETA or to EFTA countries under India-EFTA TEPA | Self-declaration or agency-issued preferential CoO | Both routes are allowed for these two agreements (HBP para 2.91(e); Trade Notice 11/2026-27) | Exporters with a DSC linked to their IEC |
| Exporter to the EU under the GSP scheme | Statement on Origin under the REX system | Exporters with a REX number self-certify origin, and REX registration has no fee (HBP para 2.89(A)(c)) | Goods eligible for EU GSP preferences |
| Trader re-exporting goods made abroad | Back-to-back non-preferential CoO | Agencies may issue it for goods not of Indian origin for re-export, trans-shipment or merchanting trade (HBP para 2.93(f)) | Merchanting and trans-shipment traders |
| Freelancer or exporter of services only | Usually none | The CoO evidences origin of goods (HBP para 2.90(a)) | Service exporters checking whether a buyer's request applies to them |
How do you apply for a certificate of origin online in India?
You apply for a certificate of origin online on the DGFT Trade Connect ePlatform at trade.gov.in, using your DGFT login and IEC. Non-preferential applications have been mandatory on this platform since 1 January 2025 (Trade Notice 24/2024-25).
- Get an IEC and register on dgft.gov.in with your email linked to the IEC. DGFT website credentials also work on the CoO platform, so no new account is needed (Trade Notice 13/2024-25, para 4). See How to Apply for an IEC Code Online.
- Keep your IEC profile current. Changes to address, branch or GSTIN are made through Modify Your IEC on dgft.gov.in and flow to the CoO platform (Trade Notice 23/2024-25, para 4.V).
- Log in to trade.gov.in and open the Certificate of Origin service.
- Choose the certificate type: non-preferential, or the trade agreement that applies to your buyer's country.
- Select the issuing agency. Non-preferential applications can go to any agency in Appendix 2E (HBP para 2.93(c)), and preferential ones go to the agency authorised for that agreement in Appendix 2B (HBP para 2.91(c)).
- Fill in importer, invoice, product, shipment and declaration details. The CoO application field list in DGFT's Open API help manual includes ITC(HS) codes, quantity, FOB value, preference criteria, port of shipment and port of discharge (Trade Notice 25/2026-27, Annexure I, para 5).
- Upload the invoice and packing list. These two are required for a non-preferential CoO (HBP para 2.93(c)(i)).
- Pay the fee and sign the application. The platform has an e-wallet, and accepts a digital signature token or Aadhaar-based e-signing (Trade Notice 13/2024-25, paras 1 and 5).
- The agency checks origin and issues the eCoO, which you download from the platform. A correction to an issued non-preferential eCoO is requested online as an in-lieu CoO application (HBP para 2.93(d)).
How do the rules of origin decide whether goods count as Indian?
Rules of origin are the tests that decide the origin of a good for export to a trading partner (HBP para 2.91(a)). Each trade agreement has its own rules, and the non-preferential rules are set out in para 2.93(a).
- Key preferential criteria include wholly obtained goods, change in tariff classification, value addition and non-minimal operations (HBP para 2.91(b)).
- For a non-preferential CoO, the goods must be manufactured by the exporting entity as defined in para 11.31 of the Foreign Trade Policy (HBP para 2.93(a)(i)).
- Imported inputs must go beyond simple operations such as sorting, repacking, labelling, simple mixing, simple assembly or dilution with water (HBP para 2.93(a)(ii)).
- DGFT invited comments on a proposed amendment to para 2.93 through Trade Notice 27/2026-27 dated 14 September 2026 (DGFT trade notices), so check the current text before you apply.
How does self-certification of a certificate of origin work in India?
Self-certification lets some exporters declare origin themselves without an agency. It is available only in specific cases set out by DGFT.
- Under India-UK CETA, the self-declaration CoO needs a DSC linked to the IEC and an uploaded ink signature, carries no fee, and is generated in an electronic copy and a physical copy (Trade Notice 11/2026-27, para 3).
- India-EFTA TEPA also allows self-declaration in addition to agency issuance (HBP para 2.91(e)).
- Under the Approved Exporter Scheme, manufacturers who are Status Holders can self-certify preferential origin, but only where India has written the scheme into a specific agreement and DGFT has notified it (Foreign Trade Policy para 2.62(b)).
- For EU GSP, exporters registered on REX self-certify a Statement on Origin (Foreign Trade Policy para 2.63).
How can a buyer or customs officer verify an Indian eCoO?
An eCoO issued on the Trade Connect ePlatform can be verified on the platform's Verify Certificate page by entering the CoO number, or by scanning the QR code on the certificate (Trade Notice 23/2024-25, para 6). No login is needed for the verification check.
- Certificates issued earlier on the legacy coo.dgft.gov.in system follow the older verification process (Trade Notice 23/2024-25, para 6).
- Agencies and other systems can also verify certificates through DGFT's Certificate Verification API (Trade Notice 25/2026-27, Annexure I, para 6).
What documents and fees apply to preferential and non-preferential certificates of origin?
A non-preferential certificate of origin needs the invoice and packing list and costs Rs 200 per certificate (HBP para 2.93(c)). Preferential certificate fees are listed in Appendix 2K (HBP para 2.88(d)), and the agreement's rules of origin decide what proof the agency asks for.
| Item | Non-preferential CoO | Preferential CoO | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Proof of origin with no tariff benefit (HBP 2.93(b)) | Tariff concession under an FTA, PTA or GSP (HBP 2.91(a)) | Deciding which certificate the buyer actually needs |
| Issuing agencies | Appendix 2E agencies, plus all preferential agencies (HBP 2.93(b)) | Agencies authorised for each agreement in Appendix 2B (HBP 2.91(c)) | Choosing the agency in the application |
| Documents | Invoice and packing list uploaded online (HBP 2.93(c)(i)) | Agreement-specific details such as preference criteria and producer details (TN 25/2026-27, Annexure I); the platform supports digital cost sheets (TN 23/2024-25) | Preparing the file before shipment |
| Fee | Rs 200 per certificate, including attestation of additional documents (HBP 2.93(c)(ii)) | As per Appendix 2K (HBP 2.88(d)); India-UK CETA self-declaration has no fee (TN 11/2026-27) | Budgeting per shipment |
| Invoice number | Must match the shipping bill (FTP 2.62(a)(iii)) | Must match the shipping bill (FTP 2.62(a)(iii)) | Avoiding mismatches in automated checks |
| Signature | DSC token or Aadhaar e-sign (TN 13/2024-25) | DSC token or Aadhaar e-sign (TN 23/2024-25); DSC is mandatory for UK self-declaration (TN 11/2026-27) | Users setting up their DGFT profile |
| Self-certification | Manufacturer exporters who are Status Holders (HBP 2.93(e)) | UK and EFTA self-declaration, EU REX and the Approved Exporter Scheme where notified (HBP 2.89(A)(c), 2.91(e), 2.94) | Exporters who ship often |
What happens if an export shipment has no valid certificate of origin?
If a preferential shipment has no valid certificate of origin, the importing country can refuse the tariff concession, because it grants the concession only when the agreement's rules of origin are met (HBP para 2.91(a)). A missing non-preferential CoO can hold up clearance where the buyer or importing customs asks for one.
- Higher duty: The buyer may pay the full import duty instead of the agreement rate (HBP para 2.91(a)).
- Rejected certificate: Manual issuance of a CoO outside the designated platform is not permissible, and it may lead to revocation of the issuing agency's authorisation (HBP para 2.90(d)).
- Verification queries: For self-declared UK certificates, the DGFT Regional Authority or SEZ mapped to your branch handles verification if the partner country raises concerns (Trade Notice 11/2026-27, para 3.v).
- Scheme penalties: The Approved Exporter Scheme has its own penalty provisions in Appendix 2F (Foreign Trade Policy para 2.62(b)(iv)).
If a non-preferential eCoO has an error, request an in-lieu CoO online from the issuing agency (HBP para 2.93(d)(ii)). For platform problems, contact the CoO helpdesk at coo-dgft@gov.in (Trade Notice 23/2024-25, para 8).
What is the timeline for getting a certificate of origin in India?
DGFT says a certificate of origin is delivered within 24 hours or one working day of the application (HBP para 2.88(d)). The tatkal certificate service that some agencies offered has been discontinued under the same paragraph.
| Trigger event | Due date | Filed where | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Non-preferential CoO application | Mandatory on the eCoO 2.0 platform from 1 January 2025 (TN 24/2024-25) | trade.gov.in | All non-preferential CoO applicants |
| Preferential CoO application | New platform launch moved to 17 January 2025 (TN 24/2024-25) | trade.gov.in | Exporters using FTAs and PTAs |
| Application submitted | Certificate delivered within 24 hours or one working day (HBP 2.88(d)) | Issuing agency on trade.gov.in | Planning shipment dates |
| Export to the UK under India-UK CETA | eCoO available from 15 July 2026 (TN 11/2026-27) | trade.gov.in, agency-issued or self-declaration | Exporters to the UK |
| Error found on an issued non-preferential eCoO | No fixed date; file an in-lieu application (HBP 2.93(d)(ii)) | trade.gov.in, same issuing agency | Correcting invoice or product details |
| CoO issued on the old coo.dgft.gov.in system | The 2024 transition notices sent in-lieu requests for legacy certificates to the legacy system (TN 13/2024-25, para 4.I); DGFT later planned to migrate legacy data (TN 23/2024-25, para 2), so check with the issuing agency | coo.dgft.gov.in | Older certificates only |
What are the common mistakes when applying for a certificate of origin in India?
- Wrong type: Applying for a non-preferential CoO when the buyer wants a duty concession that only a preferential CoO under the right agreement can support.
- Invoice mismatch: Using a different invoice number on the CoO and the shipping bill, when the rule requires the same number in both to enable automated verification (FTP para 2.62(a)(iii)).
- Outdated IEC: Leaving old address, branch or GSTIN details on the IEC, which then appear in the application (Trade Notice 23/2024-25, para 4.V).
- Name mismatch: Having a user name on the DGFT profile that does not exactly match the name on the DSC (Trade Notice 11/2026-27, para 5.iv).
- Minimal processing: Claiming Indian origin for imported goods that were only repacked, labelled or simply assembled (HBP para 2.93(a)(ii)).
- Manual certificates: Accepting a CoO issued on paper outside the platform, which the Handbook does not permit (HBP para 2.90(d)).
How did we verify this?
Every rule, deadline and form on this page is linked to its official source, checked on the dates below.
- DGFT Foreign Trade Policy 2023, Chapter 2 (General Provisions regarding Imports and Exports), Para 2.62(a) issuance of CoO by authorised agencies and matching invoice numbers; 2.62(b) Approved Exporter Scheme; 2.63 EU-GSP self-certification (checked 8 Oct 2026)
- DGFT Handbook of Procedures 2023, Chapter 2 (July 2026 version), Paras 2.88(d) fees and delivery time; 2.89(A) GSP and REX; 2.90 definition, categories, agency appendices and platform-only issuance; 2.91 preferential rules of origin; 2.93 non-preferential rules, documents, Rs 200 fee, in-lieu CoO, self-certification, back-to-back CoO; 2.94 AES (checked 8 Oct 2026)
- DGFT Trade Notice No. 13/2024-25 dated 16 August 2024: Launch of revamped Non-Preferential eCoO 2.0 system, Paras 1, 4 (legacy system, login, IEC linking) and 5 (e-wallet) (checked 8 Oct 2026)
- DGFT Trade Notice No. 23/2024-25 dated 6 December 2024: Launch of revamped Preferential eCoO 2.0 system, Paras 1 (features, cost sheet), 4.V (IEC updates), 6 (verification), 8 (helpdesk) (checked 8 Oct 2026)
- DGFT Trade Notice No. 24/2024-25 dated 20 December 2024: Rescheduling of launch date for Preferential eCoO 2.0, Paras 1 (17 January 2025 launch) and 2 (non-preferential e-filing mandatory from 1 January 2025) (checked 8 Oct 2026)
- DGFT Trade Notice No. 11/2026-27 dated 13 July 2026: Preferential CoO under India-UK CETA, Paras 1 to 7 (self-declaration and agency routes, DSC, no fee, verification) (checked 8 Oct 2026)
- DGFT Trade Notice No. 25/2026-27 dated 7 September 2026: Open API integration for CoO, Annexure I, Annexure I paras 1.1 and 1.2 (definitions), 5 (application fields), 6 (verification API) (checked 8 Oct 2026)
- Trade Connect ePlatform: Certificate of Origin (checked 8 Oct 2026)
- DGFT Trade Notices listing, Trade Notice 27/2026-27 dated 14 September 2026 inviting comments on amendment of HBP para 2.93 (checked 8 Oct 2026)
Frequently asked questions
Is a certificate of origin mandatory for every export from India?
No rule in the DGFT Handbook makes a certificate of origin compulsory for every export. Exporters get one when the buyer, a letter of credit or the importing country asks for it. A preferential certificate of origin is needed to claim duty concessions under a trade agreement (HBP para 2.91(a)).
Who issues a non-preferential certificate of origin in India?
Agencies listed in Appendix 2E issue non-preferential certificates of origin, and agencies authorised for preferential certificates can issue them too (HBP para 2.93(b)). Exporters apply to any of these agencies online through trade.gov.in. Each certificate costs Rs 200, including attestation of additional documents.
Can a freelancer or software exporter get a certificate of origin in India?
A certificate of origin is evidence on the origin of goods (HBP para 2.90(a)). Freelancers and software exporters who sell only services usually have no goods to certify. If a client asks for one, confirm with the client which document and which issuing body they expect. See Do Freelancers Need an IEC Code?.
What is a back-to-back certificate of origin in India?
A back-to-back certificate of origin is a non-preferential CoO for goods that were not made in India, issued for re-export, trans-shipment or merchanting trade. The agency issues it based on documents proving the foreign origin. The certificate must state those documents and the actual country of origin (HBP para 2.93(f)).
Do you need an IEC to apply for a certificate of origin in India?
Yes, you need an Importer Exporter Code to apply for a certificate of origin on trade.gov.in. The platform uses your DGFT website login, and your user account must be linked to your IEC (Trade Notice 13/2024-25, para 4). Applicants fill in their IEC number in the application. See What Is IEC Code?.
Is the old coo.dgft.gov.in portal still used for certificates of origin?
New certificate of origin applications are filed on trade.gov.in, and the old coo.dgft.gov.in system stopped taking new non-preferential applications from 28 August 2024 (Trade Notice 13/2024-25). Under the transition notices, in-lieu requests for legacy certificates were filed on the legacy system, though DGFT planned to migrate legacy data later (TN 23/2024-25, para 2). Check the current position with your agency.
Can the GSP Form A or REX statement replace a certificate of origin for EU buyers?
For exports to the European Union under its GSP scheme, exporters with a REX number self-certify a Statement on Origin, and REX registration is free (HBP para 2.89(A)(c)). Other GSP-granting countries usually require Form A certified by an agency listed in Appendix 2C (HBP para 2.89(A)(b)).