Proof of Origin Certificate Online – DGFT Process & Fees

To apply for a Proof of Origin, the following documents are to be submitted by the businesses along with the application form:

Fee for India-UK Free Trade Agreement Registration is as follows:

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Proof of Origin is the documentary evidence used to establish the country of origin of goods under a Free Trade Agreement (FTA). It may include a Certificate of Origin (CoO) and other supporting documents required to verify the originating status of the goods. The Government of India replaced the term "Certificate of Origin" with "Proof of Origin" in the Customs (Administration of Rules of Origin under Trade Agreements) Rules, 2020 (CAROTAR), through Notification No. 14/2025-Customs (N.T.) dated 18 March 2025, to expand the scope of acceptable origin-related documents, including declarations and supporting evidence.

Importers intending to claim preferential duty benefits under Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) must submit valid Proof or Origin at the time of import in accordance with the applicable Rules of Origin. Introduction of Proof of Origin reduces the risk of misuse of preferential trade benefits and facilitates in verification of the originating status of imported goods by Indian customs.

Proof of Origin documents vary based on the trade agreement and the rules set by the countries involved. They mostly include basic details about the products being exported such as the tariff codes, details of the exporter and importer, and the country of origin.

Exporters holding Star Export House status are authorized to use Self-certification to declare the origin of their goods without obtaining a certificate from any third-party issuing authority. Self-declaration is currently functional under India-UAE CEPA. Non-Preferential CoO is applicable to all export destinations where no bilateral trade agreement is in force.

Proof of Origin provides several benefits to businesses in international trade by making the compliance simpler, enhancing transparency and ensuring that only eligible goods get duty benefits.

• Access to Preferential Tariffs: Exporters and importers benefit from reduced or zero customs duties under Free Trade Agreements when valid documents of origin are provided.
• Faster Customs Clearance: Proper documentation streamlines the verification process by customs officials, reducing delays during cargo processing.
• Enhanced Trade Transparency: Ensures that goods are genuinely manufactured in the claimed country, boosting trust in international trade practices.
• Prevention of Trade Misuse: Helps customs authorities detect and prevent third-country routing and other fraudulent practices that exploit trade agreement loopholes.
• Alignment with Global Standards: The updated rules support self-declarations and modern verification practices, aligning India’s system with international standards.

A Proof of Origin Certificate is generally valid for up to 12 months from the date of issuance. However, the validity period may vary depending on the applicable Free Trade Agreement (FTA), with some agreements prescribing a validity of 12 months and others allowing only 6 months or less.

Proof of Origin certificate cannot be renewed once expired. PoO is issued per shipment, and a fresh certificate must be obtained for each new export invoice. Invalid or fake PoO can lead to immediate rejection of preferential tariff claims. Authorities can recover full basic customs duties along with heavy interest charges in case of fake or misleading Proof of Origin Certificate.

Listed below are the key differences between Proof of Origin and Certificate of Origin, their purpose, legal requirements and their applicability for claiming benefits under a Free Trade Agreement (FTA):

India has introduced significant changes to the Customs Administration of Rules of Origin under Trade Agreements Rules, often referred to as the CAROTAR Rules. These changes have been in effect since March 2025. The most significant change is the replacement of "Certificate of Origin" with the broader term “Proof of Origin” across the legal requirements vide Notification No. 14/2025-Customs (N.T.) dated 18 March 2025, issued under Section 156 conjunct with Section 28DA of the Customs Act, 1962.

The latest amendments facilitate importers in claiming duty benefits under Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) by expanding the scope of acceptable Proof of Origin documents. Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) launched eCoO 2.0 system to streamline the issuance of Certificates of Origin (CoO). The Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) has cautioned that the amended rules may increase the compliance burden on importers, particularly in sectors such as electronics, white goods, and automotive components, due to unclear documentation standards and suppliers' reluctance to disclose commercially sensitive manufacturing data.

In India, Proof of Origin documents are issued by government-recognized bodies based on the type of export and trade agreement. These authorities ensure that products meet the applicable origin criteria and comply with the relevant customs regulations or trade agreements. The main issuing authorities include:

• Indian Chamber of Commerce: One of the primary organizations authorized to issue both Preferential and Non-Preferential Proof of Origin. It confirms that the products originating from India are made or manufactured in India.
• Trade Promotion Council of India: Also authorized to issue Proof of Origin certificates. This council helps exporters prove the Indian origin of their products for international trade.
• Export Inspection Council (EIC): Responsible for issuing Proof of Origin for products traded under specific Preferential Trade Agreements.
• Federation of Indian Export Organizations (FIEO): FIEO is authorized to issue non-preferential certificates of origin for goods that do not qualify for tariff exemptions. It is also authorized to issue preferential certificates under regional trade programs such as the Asia-Pacific Trade Agreement (APTA) and the SAARC Preferential Trading Agreement (SAPTA)
• Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA): MPEDA is the specialized designated authority to issue preferential proof of origin for all marine and fishery products. MPEDA issues preferential certificates for seafood shipments under major bilateral and multilateral pacts such as India-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement (ISFTA), and the India-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IJCEPA).

If a product meets the criteria listed below, it is considered to have originated in a contracting nation and becomes eligible for preferential tariff treatment under the applicable Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

• Wholly Obtained or Produced Products such as live animals, agricultural products, marine animals, natural resources, and products produced exclusively within the territory of the nation qualify for preferential tariff benefits without any further condition
• Manufactured or processed goods may also qualify as originating goods if they satisfy the applicable Rules of Origin under the relevant Free Trade Agreement (FTA). This may be established by meeting either of the following criteria: Change in Tariff Classification (CTC), where the finished product is classified under a different HS code from the imported inputs used in its manufacture; or Substantial Transformation, where the goods undergo the prescribed level of processing or value addition as specified under the applicable Product Specific Rules (PSRs) of the relevant trade agreement.

Check out other Free Trade Agreements India participates in to enhance trade opportunities and reduce customs duties.

Proof of Origin is an important component of India's international trade framework under the revised CAROTAR Rules, 2025. By expanding the concept of the traditional Certificate of Origin to Proof of Origin, the Government of India has broadened the scope of acceptable origin-related documents to improve transparency in trade and reduce the misuse of preferential tariff benefits. The amendment also aligns India's customs compliance framework with international best practices, facilitating smoother trade under Free Trade Agreements (FTAs).

Exporters and importers must understand the applicable Rules of Origin and obtain valid Proof of Origin to claim preferential duty benefits and minimize delays during customs clearance. Businesses trading under Free Trade Agreements should also understand the origin requirements prescribed under specific agreements, such as the India-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IJCEPA), 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.