Mihir Ajit Shah

Mandatory Electronic Issuance of Certificates of Origin (CoO) from 1st January 2025

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As per DGFT Trade Notice No. 24/2024-25, dated 20th December 2024, please note the following:

  1. Mandatory Electronic Issuance of Non-Preferential CoO:
    • Starting 1st January 2025, Non-Preferential Certificates of Origin (CoO) will be issued exclusively via the electronic platform www.trade.gov.in.
    • Manual CoO issuance by the authorized Non-Preferential CoO Issuing Agencies, listed under Appendix 2E of the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP), will be discontinued from 1st January 2025.
  2. Extension for Preferential CoO Migration:
    • The migration deadline for the issuance of Preferential Certificates of Origin (eCoO) to the trade.gov.in platform has been extended to 17th January 2025.

Exporters are advised to ensure timely migration and familiarize themselves with the eCoO platform for seamless compliance.

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Revamped Preferential Certificate of Origin (eCoO) 2.0 System

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The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has announced the launch of the revamped Preferential Certificate of Origin (eCoO) 2.0 system via Trade Notice No. 23/2024-25, dated 06th December 2024. This upgraded system aims to streamline the certification process for exporters with user-friendly features and enhanced functionalities.

Key Highlights of eCoO 2.0:

  1. Multi-User Access: Exporters can now assign multiple users/applicants under a single IEC.
  2. E-Signature Options: Aadhaar-based e-signature in addition to digital signature tokens.
  3. Integrated Dashboard: A unified platform for eCoO, Free Trade Agreement (FTA) information, trade events, and more.
  4. Cost Sheet Digitization: Simplified preparation and submission of cost sheets.

Implementation Dates:

  • Exporters can start filing Preferential Certificates of Origin via the new system from 21st December 2024.
  • All data, including non-preferential CoO and e-wallet balances, will be migrated from the legacy platform following the stabilization of the system.

Exporters are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the new system and leverage its advanced features for efficient operations. For detailed information, please refer to the official trade notice and be ready for the new system w.e.f 21st December 2024.

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DGFT Expands Exemption List for Quality Control Orders (QCOs) under Advance Authorization, EOU, and SEZ

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In line with recent updates to Quality Control Orders (QCOs) from various ministries and departments, the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has issued Public Notice No. 31/2024-25 dated 05th November 2024.

This notice amends Appendix-2Y, adding the Ministry of Heavy Industries to the list of ministries/departments exempted from mandatory QCO requirements for exports under Advance Authorization holders, EOUs, and SEZs.

With this addition, the Ministry of Heavy Industries is now included at Sr. No. 6 in the list, joining the Ministry of Steel, DPIIT, Ministry of Textiles, Ministry of Mines, and the Department of Chemicals & Petrochemicals (Sr. Nos. 1 to 5).

Exporters dealing with QCO requirements issued by the Ministry of Heavy Industries can now avail exemptions under this public notice by adhering to the existing guidelines.

For full details, please refer to the official public notice.