How to Issue Certificate of Origin (CoO), FTA, PTA by Filing Online Application
Updated: Nov 19, 2021
Are you facing the problem of registering and logging on to the Common Digital Platform for issuance of Certificate of Origin including FTA/PTA? I am trying to solve this problem through this article.
Certificate of Origin (CoO) is an instrument which establishes evidence on origin of goods imported into any country.These certificates are essential for exporters to prove where their goods come from and therefore stake their claim to whatever benefits goods of Indian origin may be eligible for in the country of exports. Certificate of Origin (CoO) is an autonomous commercial policy instrument, directed to promote and sustain mutual trade and to develop economic co-operation among countries. It is based on the most classical commercial policy instrument of all: the tariff.
With reference to the following Trade Notices issued by Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT):
34/2015-20 dated 19.09.2019
41/2019-20 dated 12.12.2019
53/2019-20 dated 02.03.2020
01/2020-2021 dated 07.04.2020
A new online platform for issuance of Preferential Certificate of Origin (CoC) has been developed by DGFT, which is a single-point of access for Certificates of Origin under all trade agreements. This is designed to facilitate exporters through a secure, electronic, paperless issuance of CoO.
This article enlightens upon the following topics.
Types of Certificate of Origin
List of Agencies Authorized to issue Certificate of Origin (Preferential)
Registration Process for Exporter in CoO Portal
How to Login to CoO Portal & Apply for Certificate of Origin
How to Apply for Duplicate Certificate of Origin
Types of Certificate of Origin
There are two categories of Certificate of Origin:
Preferential and
Non-Preferential
Preferential
Preferential arrangement/scheme under which India is receiving tariff preferences for its exports are:
Generalised System of Preferences (GSP)
Global System of Trade Preferences (GSTP)
SAARC Preferential Trading Agreement (SAPTA)
Asia-Pacific Trade Agreement (APTA)
India-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement (ISLFTA)
Indo-Thailand Free Trade Agreement
India-Malaysia Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (IMCECA)
India-Korea Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA)
India-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IJCEPA)
Asean-India Free Trade Agreement
These Preferential arrangements/agreements prescribe Rules of Origin which have to be met for exports to be eligible for tariff preference.
Generalised System of Preferences (GSP)
It is a non-contractual instrument by which industrialized (developed) countries unilaterally and based on non-reciprocity extend tariff concessions to developing countries. The generalized schemes of preferences were first put into operation in the year 1971, with the application of the basic principles defined in the generalized system of preferences elaborated within the UNCTAD.
While European Economic Community (now the European Union) was first to grant tariff preferences under GSP, Turkey is the latest entrant to have introduced tariff preferences for goods originating in developing countries wef 1st January 2002. Now, 36 developed countries are offering preferential tariff treatment to the eligible Indian goods through 12 schemes. Each scheme prescribes its own rules and regulations for determining eligibility of a product to preferential tariff treatment. Certificate of origin form A, duly filled in by the exporter and certified by an authorised Governmental Agency is accepted by all countries as evidence of origin for according tariff concessions. Ministry of Commerce and Industry is the administrative Ministry for such authorization.
Countries that extend Preferential Tariff Treatment under GSP
GSP presently comprises of 12 different schemes extended by 35 preference-giving countries.
Australia
European Union
Czech Republic
Japan
Belgium
Estonia
New Zealand
Denmark
Cyprus
Norway
Finland
Latvia
Switzerland
France
Lithuania
United States of America
Germany
Hungary
Republic of Belarus
Greece
Malta
Republic of Bulgaria
Ireland
Poland
Russian Federation
Italy
Slovenia
Turkey
Luxembourg
Slovakia
Netherlands
Spain
Portugal
Sweden
United Kingdom
India - Mauritius Comprehensive Economic Cooperation and Partnership Agreement (CECPA)
Under the CECPA, India and Mauritius provide for an institutional mechanism to encourage and improve trade between the two countries. Export items for India, include food stuff and beverages, agricultural products, textile and textile articles, base metals and articles thereof, electrical and electronic item, plastics and chemicals, wood and articles thereof, and others while Mauritius gets preferential market access into India for frozen fish, speciality sugar, biscuits, fresh fruits, juices, mineral water, beer, alcoholic drinks, soaps, bags, medical and surgical equipment, and apparel. This agreement was signed between both the countries on 22nd February 2021 and implemented since 01st April 2021.
Global System of Trade Preference (GSTP)
The Agreement on Global System of Trade Preferences among developing countries (GSTP) was negotiated in the year 1988 by some developing countries that were member of Group of 77. The declared objectives of the GSTP are:
To promote and sustain mutual trade, and
To develop economic co-operation among developing countries (members of Group of 77).
Under GSTP, tariff concessions are exchanged among developing countries who have signed agreement. Presently 46 countries are members of GSTP and India has exchanged tariff concessions with 12 countries on a limited number of products. EIC is sole agency authorised to issue CoO under GSTP. The Sao Paulo Round of the GSTP was concluded among 8 countries but only Cuba, India and Malaysia have ratified the Protocol as of October, 2014.
SAARC Preferential Trading Agreement (SAPTA)
The Agreement on SAARC Preferential Trading Arrangement (SAPTA) was negotiated in the year 1993 by the 7 developing countries that were members of South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC). It was implemented on 1995. SAARC members namely India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Maldives offering tariff concessions among SAARC countries.
The declared objectives of the SAPTA are:
To promote and sustain mutual trade, and
To develop economic co-operation among developing countries (members of Group of 77).
Asia-Pacific Trade Agreement (APTA)
The Asia Pacific Trade Agreement (APTA) is a preferential trading arrangement designed to liberalise and expand trade in goods progressively in the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and Pacific (ESCAP) region. Agreement so far has been implemented by India, Bangladesh, Republic of Korea, Sri lanka & China. Asia Pacific Trade Agreement (APTA) is a rename of the Bangkok Agreement (BA) from 1st September 2006. The Bangkok Agreement was effective from 31st July 1975 (revised Agreement signed on 2nd November 2005). It was implemented on 01st November 1976.
India-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement (ISLFTA)
An agreement for establishing a Free Trade Area was signed on 28th December 1998 between the Republic of India and the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka. Subsequently, on 02 February 2000, a meeting between Secretary, Ministry of Commerce, Government of India and the Secretary, Treasury, Government of Sri Lanka was held in which it was decided that Export Inspection Council of India (EIC) will be the sole authority to issue certificates of origin in India, under the Agreement. It was implemented on 01st March 2000.
The objectives of this Agreement are:
To promote through expansion of trade, the harmonious development of the economic relations between India and Sri Lanka.
To provide fair conditions of competition for trade between India and Sri Lanka.
To contribute in this way, by the removal of barriers to trade, to the harmonious development and expansion of world trade.
As per the Agreement, Government of Sri Lanka will accord tariff concessions to such Indian products upon their imports into Sri Lanka, except for products grouped in the Negative List of Sri Lanka, provided the products are originating in India and are directly consigned to Sri Lanka.
India Afghanistan Preferential Trade Agreement (IAPTA)
A bilateral Preferential Trade Agreement was signed on 6th March 2003 between the Governments of India and Afghanistan. Under this Agreement, while India agreed to grant tariff concessions to 38 commodities (at six – digit level) originating in Afghanistan, 8 Indian commodities (at six – digit level) comprising Black Tea; Ayurvedic & Homeopathic Medicines; Refined Sugar; Cement; Antisera & other Blood Preparations etc., will get duty-free entry into Afghanistan.
The objectives of this Agreement are:
To promote through expansion of trade, the harmonious development of the economic relations between India and Afghanistan.
To provide fair conditions of competition for trade between India and Afghanistan.
To pay due regard to the principle of reciprocity in the implementation of this agreement.
To contribute in this way, by the removal of barriers to trade, to the harmonious development and expansion of world trade.
As per the Agreement, Government of Afghanistan will accord tariff concessions to identified Indian products provided the products are originating in India and are directly consigned to Afghanistan.
India – Thailand Frame Work Agreement for Free Trade Area
India and Thailand have signed protocol to implement Early Harvest Scheme under India-Thailand Free Trade Agreement offering tariff preferences for imports on items of Early Harvest Scheme only to those products which satisfy Rules of Origin criteria notified by the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance vide notification no 101/2004-Customs dated 31.08.2004.
India- Malaysia Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (IMCECA)
India and Malaysia signed the India-Malaysia Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (IMCECA) on 18th February 2011. The Agreement has come into effect from 1st July 2011.
India-Korea Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA)
India signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with South – Korea on 7.8.2009. Articles 4.2 and 4.3 of Chapter 4 of the Agreement relate to Certificate of Origin and Articles 4.11 and 4.12 relate to verification of origin. This Agreement has come into force w.e.f. 1.1.2010.
The two parties under the Agreement recognize that economic and trade liberalization should allow for the optimal use of natural resources in accordance with the objective of sustainable development and resolve to promote reciprocal trade and investment, and to avoid circumvention of benefits of regional trade integration, through the establishment of clear and mutually advantageous trade rules, and industry as well as regulatory cooperation.
India-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IJCEPA)
India and Japan signed the India-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IJCEPA) on 16th February 2011 to increase investment opportunities and strengthen protection for investments and investment activities between the Countries. The Agreement has come into effect from 1st August 2011.
ASEAN – India Free Trade Agreement
India has entered into a Free Trade Agreement (Trade in Goods Agreement) with ASEAN on 13.8.2009 under the Framework Agreement on Comprehensive Economic Cooperation. This Agreement has come into force w.e.f. 1.1.2010.
ASEAN is an Association of Southeast ASEAN Nations, namely, Brunei Darussalam, the Kingdom of Cambodia (Cambodia), the Republic of Indonesia (Indonesia), the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR), Malaysia, the Union of Myanmar (Myanmar), the Republic of the Philippines (the Philippines), the Republic of Singapore (Singapore), the Kingdom of Thailand (Thailand) and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.
Framework Agreement on Comprehensive Economic Cooperation between the Republic of India and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations reflect the commitment of India and ASEAN to establish the ASEAN – India Free Trade Area covering trade in goods by 2013 for Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand and India; by 2018 for the Philippines and India; and by 2013 for India and by 2018 for Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar and Vietnam.
South Asian Free Trade Area(SAFTA)
The Agreement on South Asian Free Trade Area was signed in between the Governments of SAARC Member States comprising the People's Republic of Bangladesh, the Kingdom of Bhutan, the Republic of India, the Republic of Maldives, the Kingdom of Nepal, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka.
The declared objectives of the SAFTA are to promote and enhance mutual trade and economic cooperation among contracting States; The contracting states will accord tariff concession to identified products provided the products are originating in contracting State and are directly consigned to the Member State.
Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) Between India & Singapore
India & Singapore Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement came into effect from 1st August 2005. It is a bilateral agreement between Indian and Singapore.
The declared objectives of the CECA are –
To promote through expansion of trade, the harmonious development of economic relations between India and Singapore.
To provide four conditions of competition of trade between India and Singapore.
To contribute in this way by the removal of barriers to trade, to harmonise development and expansion of world trade.
As per Agreement, Government of Singapore will accord tariff concession to such Indian products upon their import into Singapore; provided that products are originating in India are directly consigned to Singapore.
India-Mercosur Preferential Trade Agreement (IMPTA)
India and Mercosur (Trading bloc of Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay) signed a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) in New Delhi on January 25 2004. Annexes to this agreement were signed and incorporated into it on March 19, 2005. This agreement came into effect on June 1, 2009.
This Preferential Trade Agreement aims to expand and strengthen the existing relations between MERCOSUR and India and promote the expansion of trade by granting reciprocal fixed tariff preferences with the ultimate objective of creating a free trade area between the parties.
Annexes:- The India-MERCOSUR PTA provides for five Annexes. The five finalized Annexes are as under.
Annexe I to the PTA – Offer List of MERCOSUR for tariff concession on Indian products in MERCOSUR. It contains 452 products.
Annexe II to the PTA – Offer List of India for tariff concession on MERCOSUR’s products in India. It contains 450 products.
Annexe III to the PTA – Rules of Origin
Annexe IV to the PTA – Safeguard Measures
Annexe V to the PTA – Dispute Settlement Procedure (DSP)
The major products covered in the Indian offer list are meat and meat products, organic & inorganic chemicals, dyes & pigments, raw hides and skins, leather articles, wool, cotton yarn, glass and glassware, articles of iron and steel, machinery items, electrical, machinery and equipment, optical, photographic & cinematographic apparatus.
The major product groups covered in the offer list of MERCOSUR are food preparations, organic chemicals, pharmaceuticals, essential oils, plastics & articles, rubber and rubber products, tools and implements, machinery items, electrical machinery and equipment.
India - Chile Preferential Trade Agreement
The Government of India and Chile have signed this PTA on 08th March 2006 which was implemented since August 2007. Under this PTA , India has offered tariff preferences on 202 tariff lines (as per 2007 HS ) at the 8 digit level to Chile with the margin of preference (MoP) ranging from 10%- 50% and Chile has offered tariff preferences on 296 tariff lines to India at the 8 digit level with MoP ranging from 10%- 100%.
India - Malaysia Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement
Under the CECA, India and Malaysia have offered commitments over and above the commitments offered by them under ASEAN - India Trade in Goods Agreement. Key items on which Malaysia has offered market access to India are basmati rice, mangoes, eggs, trucks, motorcycles and cotton garments which are all items of considerable export interest to India. This agreement was signed between both the countries on 18th February 2011 and implemented since 01st July 2011.
List of Agencies Authorized to issue Certificate of Origin (Preferential)
Sl. No | Name of the Agreement | Authorized Agencies |
1 | Global System Of Trade Preferences (GSTP) | (i) Export Inspection Council (EIC)-for all goods (ii) Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) -for Marine products (iii) Tobacco Board for Tobacco products (iv) Textile Committee- Textile and made ups |
2 | India Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement (ISLFTA) | (i) Export Inspection Council (EIC)-for all goods (ii) Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) -for Marine products (iii) Textile Committee- Textile and made ups |
3 | ASEAN-India Free Trade Agreement (ASEAN-India FTA) | (i) Export Inspection Council (EIC)-for all goods (ii) Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) -for Marine products (iii) Textile Committee- Textile and made ups |
4 | India-Korea Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IKCEPA) | (i) Export Inspection Council (EIC)-for all goods (ii) Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) -for Marine products (iii) Textile Committee- Textile and made ups |
5 | India-Malaysia Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (IMCECA) | (i) Export Inspection Council (EIC)-for all goods (ii) Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) -for Marine products (iii) Textile Committee- Textile and made ups |
6 | India-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IJCEPA) | (i) Export Inspection Council (EIC)-for all goods (ii) Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) -for Marine products (iii) Textile Committee- Textile and made ups |
7 | India-Afghanistan Preferential Trading Agreement (India Afghanistan PTA) | (i) Export Inspection Council (EIC)-for all goods (ii) Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) -for Marine products |
8 | South Asia Free Trade Area (SAFTA) | (i) Export Inspection Council (EIC)-for all goods (ii) Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) -for Marine products (iii) Textile Committee- Textile and made ups |
9 | India-Chile Preferential Trading Agreement (India-Chile PTA) |