The Government of India has announced significant amendments to the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2023, introducing stricter provisions for the issuance and verification of Certificates of Origin (CoO).
The notification modifies Paragraph 2.62 of the FTP with immediate effect. The revision focuses on regulating how exporters certify the origin of goods, particularly under various trade agreements such as Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and Preferential Trade Agreements (PTAs).
One of the most notable changes is the clarification that Certificates of Origin can only be issued by authorized agencies. This move is expected to curb misuse and ensure greater authenticity in export documentation.
Additionally, exporters are now required to use identical invoice numbers on both Certificates of Origin and Shipping Bills. This alignment is intended to enable automated verification systems, reducing discrepancies and improving efficiency in customs processing.
The notification also revisits the Approved Exporter Scheme, which allows certain exporters to self-certify the origin of their goods.
Under the amended rules only manufacturer exporters who are recognized as “Status Holders” by DGFT will be eligible. These exporters must demonstrate adequate infrastructure, production capacity, and trained manpower. Self-certification will apply strictly to goods manufactured under valid industrial approvals such as Industrial Entrepreneur Memorandum (IEM), Industrial License (IL), or Letter of Intent (LOI).
The government emphasized that this scheme is designed to reduce transaction costs and simplify procedures, particularly for experienced exporters.
However, the self-certification facility will not be universally applicable.
The notification makes it clear that the scheme will come into effect only when incorporated into specific bilateral or multilateral trade agreements. Its implementation will depend on formal notification by DGFT. Exporters must comply with the terms and conditions of the respective FTAs or PTAs under which they operate.
Notification Details
Public Notice No. 05/2026
Date: 07/04/2026
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