SEO Title: DGFT Enables Electronic Certificate of Origin Under India–New Zealand FTA from 20 October 2026
Summary: The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), through Trade Notice No. 34/2026-2027 dated 13 November 2026, has announced the facility for electronic filing and issuance of Preferential Certificates of Origin (CoO) for exports to New Zealand under the India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (India-NZ FTA), which entered into force on 20 October 2026. The facility is available through the Trade Connect ePlatform, providing a unified digital platform for applications and issuance of electronic Certificates of Origin (eCOO) by authorised issuing agencies. Exporters can select the India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement under the Certificate of Origin service and choose an authorised issuing agency. Following approval, the system generates an electronic certificate containing a QR code, digital signature, specimen signature of the issuing officer and issuing agency stamp. Existing DGFT login credentials can be used, while additional IEC-linked users may be registered through Digital Signature Certificates (DSC). Exporters must ensure that their profile details match their DSC and that IEC information is updated. The Trade Notice also prescribes an online verification mechanism for authorities and provides DGFT helpdesk support for certificate-related queries.
Government of India
Ministry of Commerce and Industry
Department of Commerce
Directorate General of Foreign Trade
Trade Notice No. 34/2026-2027-DGFT | Dated: November 13, 2026
To,
1. All Exporters/Members of Trade
2. All Designated Issuing Agencies under FTAs/PTAs
Subject: Electronic filing and Issuance of Preferential Certificate of Origin (CoO) under India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (India-NZ FTA) with effect from October 20, 2026 – regarding.
It is informed that consequent upon the entry into force of India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (India-NZ FTA) on October 20, 2026, the facility for issuing Preferential Certificates of Origin for exports to New Zealand under the aforesaid agreement has been made available on Trade Connect ePlatform (www.trade.gov.in) which serves as the unified digital platform for application and issuance of all electronic Certificates of Origin (eCOO) for Indian exports.
2. As per the agreed provisions of the India-NZ FTA, the facility for issuance of eCOO through authorised issuing agencies is available under the “Certificate of Origin” service on the Trade Connect ePlatform.
3. The following key points may be noted regarding the issuance of Preferential eCOO for India-NZ FTA by authorised agency:
i. The applicant may proceed with the application by selecting the agreement name as “India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (Agency issued)”.
ii. The list of authorised agencies as per the terms of the agreement and duly notified by both the parties shall be available for selection by applicants.
iii. On submission of the completed application and approval by the authorised agency, an “Electronic Copy” of the eCOO with QR code and digital signature will be generated by the system.
iv. The “Electronic Copy” shall bear the specimen signature of the issuing officer as well as the stamp of the issuing agency which can be downloaded and utilised by the applicant.
4. The following common guidelines are to be followed by all IEC holders and associated users/applicants:
i. Existing user credentials for DGFT website (www.dgft.gov.in) may be used for login on Trade Connect ePlatform (www.trade.gov.in) without creation of new login credentials.
ii. Additional user accounts for the same IEC, if necessary, may be created and linked using DSC on www.dgft.gov.in and the credentials can be used on Trade Connect ePlatform for login including for filing/generating eCOO.
iii. The types of digital signatures accepted in the DGFT common digital ecosystem and the process of linking DSC to IEC may be accessed at www.dgft.gov.in by navigating to the “Learn” tab, selecting “Application Help and FAQs” (https://www.dgft.gov.in/CP/?opt=application-help), and going through the help documents and videos under “IEC Profile Management” section.
iv. All users may ensure that their name in the DGFT/Trade Connect user profile matches completely with the name in the Digital Signature (DSC).
v. All IEC holders may ensure that updated details related to the IEC are available in the DGFT system in order that the correct details are available for selection during application for eCOO.
Verification Mechanism
5. The authorities requiring verification of genuineness of the CoO presented to them by the exporters shall visit the following link on the Trade Connect ePlatform (https://trade.gov.in) → Certificate of Origin → Verify Certificate and enter the CoO No. pertaining to the CoO which is required to be verified. This will display the details of the CoO issued on the platform corresponding to the CoO No. entered for verification purposes on the platform.
Support Channels
6. Exporters and stakeholders are encouraged to reach out to the DGFT Helpdesk with respect to any queries, suggestions, or feedback related to the eCoO module. Support is available through the following channels:
i. Toll-Free Assistance: You may contact the DGFT Helpdesk through our tollfree numbers for support.
ii. Email Inquiries: For clarifications or further assistance, please e-mail DGFT Helpdesk at [email protected].
This Trade Notice is issued with the approval of the competent authority.
(Prakash Kamble)
Deputy DGFT
(Issued from File No. 01/02/54/AM21/EG&TF)
