The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has amended Para 2.90 of the Handbook of Procedures (HBP) 2023 to make it mandatory for authorised agencies issuing Certificates of Origin (CoO) to process applications and issue certificates only through the designated electronic platform notified by DGFT. The amendment has been notified vide Public Notice No. 01/2026-27 dated April 7, 2026. 

The Public Notice has been issued by the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Department of Commerce, in exercise of powers conferred under Paragraphs 1.03 and 2.04 of the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP), 2023. 

A Certificate of Origin is a key trade document used to establish the origin of goods imported into another country. Such certificates are essential for availing preferential tariff benefits under Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and for meeting customs compliance requirements in international trade.

Under the amended provisions, DGFT has retained the classification of Certificates of Origin into two categories — preferential and non-preferential certificates. However, the amendment additionally provides that the list of authorised agencies empowered to issue Certificates of Origin shall be notified in Appendices 2B, 2C, 2D and 2E of the Handbook of Procedures. 

A significant change introduced through the amendment is the mandatory digital processing requirement. The amended Para 2.90 now specifically states that all authorised agencies must accept applications and issue Certificates of Origin only through the online platform available at https://www.trade.gov.in or through any other platform designated by DGFT from time to time. 

The DGFT has also made it clear that manual issuance of Certificates of Origin outside the designated electronic platform will not be permissible. The Public Notice warns that issuance outside the prescribed platform may result in revocation of the agency’s authorisation to issue Certificates of Origin. 

According to the “Effect of this Notification” clause, authorised agencies issuing Certificates of Origin may accept and issue such certificates only from the designated electronic platform specified by DGFT. 

The move is aimed at strengthening transparency, standardisation and digital monitoring in the issuance of Certificates of Origin. The mandatory electronic platform is also expected to improve traceability of export documentation and reduce the scope for procedural inconsistencies in cross-border trade certification.

The Public Notice has been signed by Lav Agarwal, Director General of Foreign Trade and Ex-Officio Additional Secretary to the Government of India. 

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