DGFT Permits Self-Declaration of Certificate of Origin Under India-EFTA TEPA

1. Background

The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has issued a Public Notice amending Paras 2.88(a) and 2.91 of the Handbook of Procedures (HBP), 2023, to incorporate provisions related to the recently concluded India–European Free Trade Association Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (India-EFTA TEPA).

These amendments align India’s trade facilitation framework with the operational requirements of the new trade agreement and aim to provide greater flexibility and convenience to Indian exporters.

2. Amendment to Para 2.88(a) – Inclusion of India-EFTA TEPA

A new entry titled “India-European Free Trade Association Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (India-EFTA TEPA)” has been added under the list of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) in Para 2.88(a) of the Handbook of Procedures.

This inclusion formally recognises India-EFTA TEPA within the DGFT’s procedural framework, thereby enabling exporters and importers to claim preferential tariff benefits under this agreement, subject to fulfilment of the prescribed origin and documentation requirements.

3. Amendment to Para 2.91 – Certificate of Origin under India-EFTA TEPA

A new sub-paragraph has been inserted under Para 2.91 of the HBP, 2023, to introduce an additional method for obtaining Certificates of Origin (CoO) in respect of exports made under the India-EFTA TEPA.

As per the amendment:

• Exporters may obtain the Certificate of Origin through either of the following modes:

1. 1. Self-declaration by the exporter concerned, or
   2. Issuance by an authorised agency designated under the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP).

This dual mechanism enhances procedural flexibility by allowing trusted exporters to self-certify origin, while still retaining the traditional agency-based system for those preferring the conventional route.

4. Objective and Impact

The amendments aim to:

• Facilitate trade under the newly concluded India-EFTA TEPA,
• Simplify documentation and reduce procedural delays for exporters,
• Align domestic procedures with international best practices on origin certification, and
• Promote ease of doing business through self-declaration options.

By allowing exporters to self-declare origin, the DGFT empowers compliant and credible exporters while maintaining the necessary checks through authorised agencies.

5. Conclusion

Through this Public Notice, the DGFT has amended the Handbook of Procedures 2023 to operationalise provisions of the India-EFTA TEPA, offering exporters the flexibility to obtain Certificates of Origin either via self-declaration or through authorised agencies.

This reform is a significant step towards enhancing trade facilitation, reducing administrative overheads, and supporting India’s global trade integration under its newly signed Free Trade Agreements.