Preferential Certificate of Origin (CoO) is granted by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to an exporter when he exports a product from the country and obtains certification that he has complied with all applicable laws

A certificate of origin is a document that is used to verify the country of origin of a product. The certificate of origin is used by customs officials to determine whether a product is eligible for preferential treatment under a trade agreement. The certificate of origin is also used to determine whether a product is subject to import quotas or other trade restrictions.

A certificate of origin is an important document used in international trade. It is a document that certifies that the goods in a shipment originated in a certain country. The certificate of origin is often required by the importer in order to obtain preferential treatment, such as reduced tariffs. 

The certificate of origin must be completed by the exporter and must be signed by an authorised official of the chamber of commerce in the country of origin. The chamber of commerce will usually stamp the document with its official seal. The certificate of origin must then be presented to the customs authority in the country of import. 

If you are engaged in international trade, it is important to be familiar with the requirements for the certificate of origin in the countries you are shipping to and from.

Common digital platform services

Through e-platforms, these trade agreements are issued and applied under a Certificate of Origin (CoO) for exports from India.

• SAFTA – South Asia Free Trade Agreement
• SAPTA – SAARC Preferential Trade Agreement
• ICPTA – India Chile Preferential Trade Agreement
• APTA – Asia Pacific Trade Agreement
• GSP – Generalised System of Preferences
• IKCEP – India Korea Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement
• AIFTA – ASEAN India Free Trade Agreement
• IJCEPA – India-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement
• India-Thailand Early Harvest Scheme
• GSTP – Global System of Trade Preferences
• ISCECA – India Singapore Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement
• IMCECA – India Malaysia Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement
• India-Mercosur Preferential Trade Agreement
• ISFTA – India Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement

What is a Common Digital Platform for the Issuance of a Certificate of Origin – CoO e-platform? 

The Common Digital Platform for Issuance of Certificate of Origin – CoO e-platform is an online system that enables the issuance of digital Certificates of Origin (CoOs). The platform was jointly developed by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) World Chambers Federation (WCF) and the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). It is currently being piloted by chambers of commerce in India, Kenya, and Senegal.

The CoO e-platform is designed to streamline the process of issuing CoOs, which are often required for international trade transactions. The platform will allow Chambers of Commerce to issue digital CoOs that can be verified by customs authorities and other stakeholders online. This will help to reduce the time and cost associated with issuing paper CoOs. In addition, the platform will provide valuable data that can be used to improve the efficiency of global trade flows.

The CoO e-platform is currently in the piloting phase, and it is expected to be launched commercially in 2019.

As per the DGFT Trade Notice – The New Service

India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (India-UAE CEPA) is the new service applied and issued from 1st May 2022 by the Coo e-platform, for the Preferential Certificate of Origin for exports to the United Arab Emirates. 

Important Announcement for Exporter

• Coo applications for exports from India under the India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (India-UAE CEPA) must be submitted to the designated issuing agencies via the e-COO platform.
• After February 25, 2021, no manual application for a CoO should be submitted thereafter to an issuing agency. Manual applications received before the deadline may be processed by the agency issuing them. 
• The DGFT stated that for these applications under the India-Mercosur PTA and India-Thailand EHS Trade Agreements, the e-CoO system would generate all of the existing CoO copies as well as an additional electronic copy. The officer’s image signature and the issuing agency’s stamp must appear on the electronic copy. 
• The exporter may, however, have the remaining copies inked-signed by the officer issuing it and stamped with the issuing office’s stamp. Paper copies of the CoOs issued may be collected in person or posted for submission to the authorities of the Trade Agreement’s partner countries.

Registration by Exporter in Common Digital Platform 

• Electronic verification would necessitate the use of a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC). The DSC Signature would be identical to that used in different DGFT applications.
• The digital signature can be Class II or Class 3, and the firm’s IEC should be embedded in the DSC.
• A new applicant exporter must first register on the e-platform. The password will be provided on the IEC holder’s email and mobile phone.
• If the IEC holder wants an updation of the email address to which communication will be sent, he or she can do so by visiting the DGFT website and using the ‘IEC profile Management’ service.
• Once registered, the IEC branch information will be auto-populated from the DGFT-IEC database.
• The applicant must ensure that the most recent IEC information is available in the DGFT system. When necessary, steps may be taken to adjust the IEC details online.

Procedure to Apply Certificate of Origin (CoO) through Common Digital Platform

A Certificate of Origin (CoO) is a document that certifies that the goods in a particular shipment originated from a certain country. The CoO is used by customs officials to determine whether the goods are subject to tariffs. 

In order to apply for a CoO, businesses must first create an account on the Common Digital Platform (CDP). Once the account has been created, businesses can begin the application process by entering the required information, such as the Consignor’s name and address, the Consignee’s name and address, and the HS Code of the goods. 

The application form will display, that you need to provide the following details:

• Details of CoO Request before/after shipment
• Free Trade Agreement
• Exporter Details
• Issuing Agencies/Regional offices
• Raw Material
• Product details
• Description of Goods

After all of the required information has been entered, businesses can submit their application for a CoO. Once the application has been submitted, businesses will receive a confirmation email from CDP. 

They will then be able to print out their CoO and attach it to their shipment. The entire process can be completed online, making it easy and convenient for businesses to obtain a CoO.

Click here to get : Import Export Licence

Obtain the Certificate of Origin (CoO)

Following the submission of applications under the aforementioned FTAs/PTAs, the Common Digital Platform will provide all existing CoO copies as well as an additional copy, i.e. electronic copy. The officer’s image signature and the issuing agency’s stamp must appear on the electronic copy. 

However, the exporter may obtain the remaining copies ink-signed by the officer issuing it and stamped by the designated issuing office. Copies of the CoOs issued may be collected in person or by post for submission to the authorities of the FTA/PTA partner countries. 

How to apply for a Duplicate Certificate of Origin?

After logging into the portal and selecting the Duplicate Certificate of Origin option, the previously submitted applications list is displayed, from which the exporter can request a duplicate certificate.

Upload a required document that explains why you are applying for the position. The payment by the exporter can be made after the documents have been uploaded. The page redirects you to the list of “Submitted Duplicate Certificates” after successful payment.

Conclusion

If you require assistance, guidance, and information about Electronic filing and Issuance of a Preferential Certificate of Origin (CoO), Vakilsearch is the one-stop solution for all your needs. Get in touch with us today! 

Read more,