In a recent development, the Ministry of Commerce & Industry has initiated a unified digital platform for e-issuing Certificates of Origin (CoO). The CoO is a crucial tool that provides evidence of the origin of imported goods. For exporters, these certificates are indispensable to confirm their goods’ provenance hence establishing their eligibility for any benefits associated with Indian origin goods in the export country. This innovative platform is the brainchild of the Director-General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), Regional & Multilateral Trade Relations (RMTR) Division, and the Department of Commerce at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
A Universal Access Point
The major breakthrough with this new platform is its ability to act as a single entry point for all exporters, across all Free Trade Agreements (FTAs)/Preferential Trade Agreements (PTAs), as well as all relevant agencies. Additionally, it equips the Department of Commerce with administrative access for monitoring and reporting purposes. Partner countries’ authorities will also have the capacity to authenticate certificates directly from the website, adding another layer of convenience.
The Contrast: New Platform Vs. Existing Procedure
There are numerous advantages to this newly established platform over the existing procedures. For starters, the certificate issuance process is now digital, paperless, and transparent, eliminating the need for exporters to physically visit the agency three times per certificate as previously required.
Additionally, there is a new capacity for real-time tracking of FTA utilization, both at the product level & country level. Previously, real-time tracking was not feasible since data was scattered across various agencies.
Another significant feature is the issuance of an Electronic Certificate of Origin. Before this, physical Certificates of Origin were manually issued by the concerned authorities. With the new system, it’s now possible to electronically exchange CoO with partner countries, a procedure that wasn’t available before.
| Features | New Platform | Existing Process |
|---|---|---|
| Issuance Process | Electronic, paperless, transparent | Requires physical visit to the agency |
| Tracking of FTA Utilization | Real-time, at product & country level | Data scattered across various agencies |
| Certificate Issued | Electronic Certificate of Origin | Physical Certificates of Origin |
| Exchange with Partner Countries | Electronically possible | Not possible |
Cost and Time Efficiency
Finally, this platform significantly reduces the transaction costs and time for exporters. By moving away from a process that was more time-consuming and costly, exporters can now enjoy a streamlined, efficient system that makes their endeavors easier and more profitable.
