Archive · 8 Sep 2026
DGFT Open API Simplifies Certificate of Origin Process for Exporters
India’s trade authority has created a new digital connection for exporters.
It lets a company’s business software communicate directly with the government’s Certificate of Origin system.
A Certificate of Origin shows where exported goods were made or produced.
The new system can reduce the need to type the same information more than once.
It is designed to make applications faster and information more accurate.
It covers certificates used for both trade benefits and general customs or compliance needs.
Exporters will also be able to check certificates through a separate verification tool.
The system records important details such as acknowledgement IDs, certificate numbers, and processing status.
Businesses must meet the technical requirements and follow the prescribed process to use it.
The Directorate General of Foreign Trade introduced an Open API for Certificate of Origin processing on the Trade Connect e-Platform.
Eligible exporters can connect ERP, accounting, and other software directly with the DGFT Certificate of Origin system.
The facility is intended to reduce manual entry, eliminate duplicate data, improve accuracy, and streamline information exchange.
The framework covers both preferential and non-preferential Certificates of Origin, including verification through a dedicated API.
The system supports agreements including the India-UAE CEPA, India-Australia ECTA, India-Oman CEPA, India-EFTA TEPA, and India-UK CETA.
- Who
- The Directorate General of Foreign Trade and eligible Indian exporters and software systems.
- What
- The DGFT introduced an Open API to connect exporters’ ERP, accounting, and other software with its Certificate of Origin system.
- When
- The trade notice was published on September 8, 2026.
- Where
- On the Trade Connect e-Platform in India.
- Why
- To reduce manual intervention and duplicate data entry, improve data accuracy, and make Certificate of Origin processing and verification more efficient.
- Implementing agency
- Directorate General of Foreign Trade
- Digital platform
- Trade Connect e-Platform
- Documents covered
- Preferential and non-preferential Certificates of Origin
- Main integration
- Exporter ERP, accounting, and other software systems can connect with the DGFT CoO system.
- Verification feature
- A dedicated Certificate Verification API will allow issued certificates to be verified.
- Digital records
- Applications can generate acknowledgement IDs, file numbers, certificate numbers, and processing status records.
- Supported agreements
- The framework includes the India-UAE CEPA, India-Australia ECTA, India-Oman CEPA, India-EFTA TEPA, and India-UK CETA.