A Certificate of Origin (COO) is an essential international trade document that certifies that goods being exported are wholly obtained, produced, manufactured, or processed in a specific country. It is issued by an authorized body and is used to determine:
🔹 Eligibility for tariff benefits under trade agreements
🔹 Trade restrictions or embargoes
🔹 Product authenticity & compliance with import regulations
COO plays a crucial role in securing preferential duty rates, ensuring smooth customs clearance, and establishing the credibility of exported goods.
India has introduced Electronic COO (e-COO) under the Common Digital Platform by DGFT, which offers:
✔ Seamless online application & issuance
✔ QR-code enabled digital verification
✔ Elimination of manual paperwork
✔ Quick processing & approval
This digital transformation has significantly reduced delays and improved transparency in COO issuance.
✔ Tariff Reductions & Exemptions – Enables exporters to avail lower duty rates under FTAs & PTAs.
✔ Faster Customs Clearance – Helps in smooth import-export documentation.
✔ Compliance with International Trade Regulations – Ensures adherence to trade policies.
✔ Boosts Credibility – Establishes trust between exporters and foreign buyers.
✔ Avoids Trade Barriers – Prevents unnecessary customs delays & rejections.
1. COO Rejection by Importing Country
🔹 Cause: Incorrect format, missing details, or errors in the document.
🔹 Solution: Ensure accuracy in product descriptions, origin details, and get the COO issued by an authorized body.
2. Delay in COO Issuance
🔹 Cause: Manual processing or incomplete documentation.
🔹 Solution: Opt for e-COO through the DGFT digital system to avoid delays.
3. Non-Acceptance of Preferential COO
🔹 Cause: Importing country does not recognize the agreement under which the COO was issued.
🔹 Solution: Verify FTA/PTA validity and ensure proper HS code classification.
4. COO Not Reflecting on DGFT Portal
🔹 Cause: Transmission issues from issuing authority to DGFT.
🔹 Solution: Follow up with the issuing body to ensure proper submission.
COOs are broadly classified into two categories:
1. Preferential Certificate of Origin
This type of COO is issued for exports under Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), Preferential Trade Agreements (PTAs), and Regional Trade Agreements (RTAs). It allows exporters to claim lower or zero customs duties in importing countries.Issuing Authorities – DGFT, Export Promotion Councils (EPCs), and Chambers of Commerce.
Trade Agreements Requiring Preferential COO
A Preferential COO is required for availing tariff benefits under various trade agreements, including:
✅ Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) (Complete or major tariff reductions)
✅ India-ASEAN FTA (Association of Southeast Asian Nations)
✅ India-Korea Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA)
✅ India-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA)
✅ India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA)
✅ India-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement (ISLFTA)
✅ India-Mauritius Comprehensive Economic Cooperation and Partnership Agreement (CECPA)
✅ Preferential Trade Agreements (PTAs) (Partial tariff benefits)
✅ Asia Pacific Trade Agreement (APTA)
✅ Global System of Trade Preferences (GSTP)
✅ India-Chile PTA
✅ India-MERCOSUR PTA
✅ Regional Trade Agreements (RTAs) (Trade cooperation at a regional level)
✅ South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA)
✅ BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation)
✅ BBIN (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal) Trade Agreement
2. Non-Preferential Certificate of Origin
A Non-Preferential COO certifies that goods do not qualify for preferential tariff benefits but are still required for:
✅ Import regulations & customs clearance
✅ Trade embargo verification
✅ Establishing authenticity of exported goods
✅ Issuing Authorities – Chambers of Commerce & Export Promotion Councils.
Why Choose Pragati Exim Solution?
At Pragati Exim Solution, we offer expert guidance for:
✅ COO Registration & Documentation
✅ Hassle-Free Compliance with DGFT Norms
✅ Maximizing Tariff Benefits Under Trade Agreements
✅ Handling COO Modifications & Suspensions
🔹 If you need assistance with COO registration, modification, or retrieval after suspension, contact Pragati Exim Solution today for a smooth and efficient process!
- 01 Who issues the Certificate of Origin in India?
- Various DGFT-authorized agencies, Export Promotion Councils (EPCs), and Chambers of Commerce issue COOs.
- 02 What is the validity of a COO?
- Validity depends on the importing country, but generally, it is valid for the duration of the shipment.
- 03 What documents are required to obtain a COO?
- Shipping invoice, bill of lading, packing list, and details of manufacturing.
- 04 Is a COO mandatory for all exports?
- No, but it is required for preferential tariffs, regulatory compliance, and certain buyer/importer requirements.
- 05 What is an e-COO
- It is a digitally issued Certificate of Origin that can be applied for through DGFT’s online portal.
- 06 Can a COO be used for multiple shipments?
- No, each COO is specific to a single shipment.
- 07 Can a COO be issued after the shipment has been sent?
- Some authorities allow it, but applying in advance is recommended.
- 08 How long does it take to obtain a COO?
- Generally, 1-3 working days, depending on the issuing authority.
- 09 Can I apply for a COO online?
- Yes, via the DGFT e-COO portal for eligible agreements.
- 10 Does a COO guarantee reduced customs duties?
- Only if it falls under an FTA/PTA/RTA that offers tariff concessions.
- 11 Can I modify a COO after issuance?
- No, a fresh application is required if corrections are needed.
- 12 What happens if a COO application is rejected?
- The applicant must rectify errors and reapply.
- 13 Are digitally signed COOs accepted internationally?
- Many countries now accept digital COOs, but verification depends on the importing country.
- 14 Can an exporter apply for a COO without a manufacturer’s declaration?
- No, a manufacturer’s declaration or proof of origin is required.
- 15 What is the difference between COO and Form-A?
- Form-A is used for Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) benefits, whereas COO is broader and applies to multiple trade agreements.