A Certificate of Origin (CoO) is an essential international trade document that certifies the country in which the goods in a shipment are manufactured or produced. It serves as proof of the product's origin and includes key information such as the nature of the goods, the country of export, and their destination.
Types of Certificates of Origin
There are two main types of Certificate of Origin issued in India
Preferential Certificate of Origin
This certificate is issued when the goods qualify for preferential tariff treatment under a bilateral or multilateral trade agreement between India and other countries. It can result in reduced or zero customs duties when exporting to those partner countries.Examples include FTAs (Free Trade Agreements), CEPA, CECA, and SAFTA agreements.
Non-Preferential Certificate of Origin
This is issued for goods that do not qualify for any preferential duty treatment. It merely certifies that the goods originated in India or were substantially processed here. This is required for general trade purposes, or where importing countries mandate proof of origin for import control, quotas, or statistical reasons.
Who Issues a Certificate of Origin?
Export Promotion Councils
Chambers of Commerce (e.g., FIEO, ICC)
Trade associations
DGFT-authorized bodies
Importance of Certificate of Origin in International Trade
Customs Clearance
A CoO is mandatory for customs authorities to assess applicable duties and release the shipment.
Trade Agreements & Tariff Benefits
Under trade agreements, certain goods from India are eligible for duty exemptions or concessions, subject to origin criteria. A valid CoO is the only proof that enables you to avail these benefits.
Regulatory & Political Controls
In some cases, goods from specific countries are restricted or subject to special duties due to political or trade policy decisions. CoOs help customs enforce such rules and restrict unauthorized imports.
Export Incentives
To claim export incentives and benefits under India’s FTP (Foreign Trade Policy), proof of origin is often mandatory. CoO ensures you comply and qualify for benefits.
Detection of Illegal Imports
The document is also critical for customs authorities to trace the origin of goods and identify unauthorized or prohibited trade.
How We Help You at Global Tax Masters
Getting a Certificate of Origin involves multiple steps, and any delay or error in the documentation can result in shipment delays and financial loss. That’s where we come in.
Our dedicated team of DGFT and trade documentation experts ensure smooth and efficient processing by
01.
Preparing and verifying all necessary documents
02.
Providing complete assistance in online application on the Common Digital Platform
03.
Liaising with authorized agencies to get the Certificate of Origin issued on time
04.
Assisting with DSC preparation and activation, if required
Over 10 years of experience in international trade documentation
Trusted by 500+ exporters and manufacturers across India
Expert team for CoO, DGFT, FTP compliance, and export documentation
End-to-end assistance, including digital platform support and DSC registration
Looking to Get Your Certificate of Origin Quickly and Accurately?
Contact Global Tax Masters today. We ensure fast, compliant, and hassle-free issuance of your Certificate of Origin, helping your exports move smoothly across international borders.