Notification No. 05/2026-27, Dated 07-04-2026
The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has amended Para 2.62 of the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2023, revising the framework for issuance of Certificates of Origin (CoO) and introducing an Approved Exporter Scheme for self-certification.
1. Issuance of Certificates of Origin (CoO)
- CoOs for exports from India shall be issued only by agencies authorised by DGFT
- Issuance must follow the prescribed procedures and formats
2. Introduction of Approved Exporter Scheme
An optional self-certification mechanism has been introduced:
- Eligible entities Manufacturers who are also Status Holders
- They may:
-
- Self-certify goods as originating from India
- Avail preferential treatment under trade agreements
3. Conditions for Self-Certification
Self-certification is permitted only for goods:
- Manufactured by the exporter, and
- Covered under:
-
- Industrial Entrepreneurs Memorandum (IEM)
- Industrial License (IL)
- Letter of Intent (LOI)
4. Recognition as Approved Exporter
Status Holders must:
- Meet prescribed criteria relating to:
-
- Infrastructure
- Production capacity
- Manpower
Only then will they be recognised as Approved Exporters.
5. Operational Requirement for CoO
To enable automated verification:
- Exporters must ensure identical invoice numbers in:
-
- Certificates of Origin (CoO)
- Corresponding Shipping Bills
6. Implementation of the Scheme
- Detailed provisions, including penalty framework, are specified in Appendix 2F
- The scheme will:
-
- Become effective only when incorporated into specific trade agreements
- Be applicable as per conditions of respective agreements
7. Conclusion
The amendment modernises India’s export certification framework by:
- Strengthening authenticity and traceability of origin certification
- Introducing flexibility through self-certification for eligible exporters
- Aligning procedures with international trade practices and digital verification systems
