What Is a Certificate of Origin?
- Author:
- Manoj Sharma
- Verified by:
- Editorial team
- Published:
- Last modified:
Short answer
A certificate of origin (CoO) is a document that establishes the country where goods were made. DGFT describes it as an instrument to establish evidence on origin of goods imported into any country. There are two categories, preferential and non-preferential, and authorised agencies issue them through the Trade Connect platform.
| Full form | Governed by | Best for | Where it is used | Related terms |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Certificate of Origin (CoO) | DGFT Handbook of Procedures 2023, Chapter 2, paras 2.90 to 2.93 | Exporters of goods whose buyer or the importing country asks for proof of origin | Import clearance abroad, preferential duty claims under trade agreements, buyer and bank requirements | Commercial invoice, shipping bill, Incoterms, export documents list |
What does certificate of origin mean in simple words?
A certificate of origin tells the importing country where the goods come from. A non-preferential CoO simply states the origin. A preferential CoO supports a claim for lower duty under a trade agreement. Exporters apply online on the Trade Connect platform to an authorised agency, which issues the certificate. Many exporters only learn they need a CoO when the buyer or a letter of credit asks for it, so it helps to check early. Service exporters, such as freelancers, do not need one because origin applies to goods.
For example, a tea exporter in Assam receives an order from the Netherlands. The buyer's letter of credit requires a certificate of origin. The exporter applies online with the invoice and packing list and gets a non-preferential CoO from an authorised agency.
Why does certificate of origin matter for Indian exporters and freelancers?
- DGFT definition: DGFT describes a CoO as an instrument to establish evidence on origin of goods imported into any country (Handbook of Procedures, para 2.90).
- Two categories: The Handbook recognises preferential and non-preferential certificates, and agencies issue them via the Trade Connect platform (para 2.90).
- Documents and fee: A non-preferential application is made online, with the invoice and packing list uploaded, and a fee of Rs 200 applies to each certificate (para 2.93).
- Bank compliance: Letters of credit and buyer contracts may list the CoO among documents to be presented. Ask your AD bank which documents it needs for your shipment.
- GST and income tax: The CoO does not decide GST or income tax treatment. Ask a tax adviser about the export itself.
How does certificate of origin work?
The exporter applies on the Trade Connect platform, and an authorised agency checks the documents and issues the certificate. Preferential and non-preferential certificates follow different rules.
- The exporter registers on the Trade Connect platform and links the IEC.
- The exporter selects the category, preferential or non-preferential, based on the buyer's requirement.
- The exporter fills the application and uploads the invoice and packing list.
- The exporter pays the prescribed fee on the platform.
- The authorised agency examines the application and issues the certificate through the platform.
- The exporter sends the certificate with the other shipping documents.
How do you get a certificate of origin as an exporter?
You get a certificate of origin by applying online on the Trade Connect platform to an agency authorised by DGFT. Certificate of origin for exporters covers the types and steps in detail.
- Check with the buyer which category of CoO the importing country needs.
- Make sure your IEC is active and linked on the platform.
- Keep the commercial invoice and packing list ready.
- Apply on the Trade Connect platform and choose an authorised agency.
- Pay the fee and respond to any queries from the agency.
- Download the issued certificate and keep a copy with your export records.
What do people get wrong about certificate of origin?
- Services: Origin certificates apply to goods. A freelancer invoicing services has nothing to certify.
- Manual issue: The Handbook says manual issuance outside the designated platform is not permissible (para 2.90(d)).
- One type: Preferential and non-preferential certificates are different. Check which one the buyer needs before applying.
- Always needed: A CoO is not on the Foreign Trade Policy mandatory document list. It is needed when the buyer, the contract or the importing country asks for it.
How did we verify this?
Every rule and definition on this page is linked to its official source, checked on the dates below.
- DGFT Handbook of Procedures 2023, Chapter 2 (July 2026 version), Paras 2.90 and 2.93 (checked 9 Oct 2026)
- Foreign Trade Policy 2023, Chapter 2 (DGFT revised version v1.2.2), Para 2.06 (mandatory export documents) and para 2.41 (checked 9 Oct 2026)
- DGFT Trade Notice No. 13/2024-25 dated 16 August 2024: Launch of revamped Non-Preferential eCoO 2.0 system, Paras 1 and 4 (checked 9 Oct 2026)
- Trade Connect ePlatform: Certificate of Origin (checked 9 Oct 2026)
FAQs about certificate of origin
What is the fee for a non-preferential certificate of origin?
The Handbook of Procedures states a fee of Rs 200 for each non-preferential certificate, including attestation of any additional documents. Fees for preferential certificates can differ by agreement, so check the DGFT notice or the Trade Connect platform before you apply, and keep the payment receipt with your records.
Who issues a certificate of origin in India?
Authorised agencies notified by DGFT issue them, and the Handbook says applications and issuance must happen through the Trade Connect platform. The agency lists are in the Handbook's appendices. Pick the agency listed for your category, and confirm its current process on the platform before you apply.
Is a certificate of origin mandatory for every export?
No. The mandatory export documents in the Foreign Trade Policy are the transport document, the commercial invoice cum packing list and the shipping bill. A CoO is needed when the buyer, the importing country or a letter of credit asks for it.
What is the difference between preferential and non-preferential origin?
A non-preferential certificate states the origin of the goods. A preferential certificate supports a claim for reduced duty under a trade agreement and follows that agreement's rules of origin. Ask the buyer which one the importing country requires, and check the relevant rules of origin before you apply.
Can a freelancer get a certificate of origin?
Certificates of origin cover goods, so a freelancer invoicing only services has nothing to certify. If you also sell physical products, you can apply for those shipments on the Trade Connect platform with an active IEC, and keep the invoice and packing list ready for the upload.