Certificate of Origin Registration in India - Process, Fees & Documents

Total fee required for the COO registration is ₹3,860 per application, including government fees, professional fees and GST. The registration remains valid for 12 months from the date of issue.

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A Certificate of Origin is an official document that proves the country where a product was made or manufactured. The term Certificate of Origin has been officially updated to Proof of Origin under CAROTAR Rules 2025, effective March 2025, Notification No. 14/2025-Customs dated 18 March 2025. Both terms remain widely used in practice, and the CoO document itself continues to be issued under the same process

It is used in international trade when goods are exported from one country to another. This document is important because many countries have different import rules, taxes, and benefits depending on where the product comes from. A Certificate of Origin helps to show where a product was made and is an essential part of the export process. Effective January 2025, all Non-Preferential Certificate of Origin applications must be filed electronically through the DGFT Trade Connect ePlatform. Physical/manual applications for Non-Preferential CoO are no longer accepted. The eCoO 2.0 platform supports Aadhaar-based e-signatures in addition to Digital Signature Certificate (DSC), multi-user access, and provides a QR-coded certificate for digital verification.

The forms for certificates of origin (COOs) used in global trade are not standardized. However, it typically includes essential information about the shipped product, such as a tariff code, details of the exporter and importer, and the country of origin.

Non-Preferential Certificate of origin

Non-preferential certificate of origin indicates that the goods being exported do not qualify for reduced tariffs or tariff-free treatment under any trade agreements between countries. If an exporting country does not have a treaty or trade agreement in place with the importing country, an ordinary COO is required. Additionally, if a specific product being shipped has been excluded from tariff relief, it must be declared using an ordinary COO.

Preferential Certificate of origin

Preferential Certificates of origin indicate the existence of a free trade agreement or reduced tariffs between countries. For example, Indian exporter shipping engineering goods to the UAE under the India-UAE CEPA can present a valid Preferential CoO to avail zero or reduced customs duty at UAE customs.

Note: A valid CoO must be issued and signed by an authorised body, such as a Chamber of Commerce or a designated government agency like the DGFT in India, though some agreements also allow for self-certification by approved exporters.

If the Product meets the following criteria, it will be considered to have come from a contracting nation and be eligible for preferential treatment.

Wholly Obtained Or Produced Products such as

1. Live animals
2. Agri products
3. Products made of animals
4. Products made of Marine animals
5. Products made of natural resources
6. Product produced in the territory of the country exclusively
7. Products have undergone sufficient working or production according to the Product Specific Rules.

Note:- Exporters are required to furnish a certificate of origin for their products in order to verify their authenticity in accordance with the agreed trade agreement among the involved parties.

A certificate of Origin (CoO) is required by multiple stakeholders in the export chain:

• Exporters require CoO to prove the origin of their products to buyers and customs in importing countries. As per latest amendment Indian exporters must use the mandatory e-CoO 2.0 platform for non-preferential certificates.
• Importers need to hold certificates of origin to claim lower duty rates if a trade agreement exists. International buyers depend on accurate CoOs to reduce landed costs
• Banks: Often required as part of the Letter of Credit documentation to release payment. Financial institutions verify CoOs before processing trade finance.

Note: Customs authorities use CoO to prevent circumvention of anti-dumping duties and trade sanctions. If goods from a sanctioned country are re-routed through India, a valid CoO prevents them from being passed off as Indian-origin goods.

The Certificate of Origin offers several key benefits, making it an essential document in international trade:

A Certificate of Origin is a key document in the export process that confirms the manufacturing country of goods. It ensures that international trade follows proper rules and helps importers and customs authorities apply the correct duties and benefits. Whether it is a preferential or non-preferential certificate, providing accurate information is important to avoid delays and legal issues. For exporters, getting the Certificate of Origin from an authorized body is necessary for international trade. If you are an exporter and need a Certificate of Origin, we assist in securing a valid CoO. Businesses trading under Free Trade Agreements should also understand the origin requirements prescribed under specific agreements, such as the India-Chile Preferential Trade Agreement (ICPTA to ensure seamless customs compliance and maximize available tariff benefits. Staying informed and compliant is essential to maximize the benefits available under trade agreements. Professional Utilities, backed by a team of compliance experts, assist businesses in understanding the applicable requirements, preparing the necessary documentation, and ensuring compliance with the relevant trade regulations.

India has enhanced its market access commitments for neighbouring service providers. These commitments provide companies with an opportunity to build market expertise and grow by international expansion. Under Free or Preferential Trade Agreement there are multiple options where certificate of origin can be generated from India for import benefits to importing companies:-