The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) under India’s Ministry of Commerce & Industry has issued a final notice regarding the mandatory electronic filing of Non-Preferential Certificate of Origin (CoO) through the e-CoO platform. The notice emphasizes the importance of onboarding to the electronic platform by the 31st of August 2023 and outlines consequences for non-compliance.
Analysis
Mandatory Transition to e-Filing: The DGFT has provided an extended transition period up to 31st December 2023 for the mandatory filing of applications for Non-Preferential CoO through the e-CoO platform. The emphasis on online submissions reflects a broader governmental push for digitalization and efficiency.
Final Onboarding Deadline: Despite several notices, some agencies/chambers have not initiated the onboarding process, necessitating this final notice. The deadline of 31st August 2023 has been set to ensure a smooth transition to the online system. Failure to comply may result in de-notification from Appendix 2E.
Assistance and Support: The notice provides details of support available for those needing help with the registration and application submission process, including the DGFT Helpdesk service, email support, and toll-free numbers.
Conclusion: The notice from DGFT represents a firm commitment to advancing the digitization of trade processes in India. By setting a clear deadline and providing ample support, the DGFT is facilitating the transition to a more streamlined and contactless system for managing the Certificate of Origin (CoO) related processes. Agencies and chambers must comply by the stated deadline to continue enjoying the benefits of being part of this crucial trade system. This movement towards an electronic platform underscores the Indian government’s ongoing effort to modernize and simplify its trade and commerce mechanisms.
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Government of India
Ministry of Commerce & Industry
Department of Commerce
Directorate General of Foreign Trade
Vanijya Bhawan, New Delhi
Trade Notice No. 22/2023-DGFT | Dated: 16.08.2023
To
1. All Agencies / Chambers enlisted under FTP
2. All Export Promotion Councils/ Trade and Industry Associations
3. All Exporters/Members of Trade
Subject: Final Notice for on-boarding on the DGFT Common Digital platform for mandatory electronic filing-of Non-Preferential Certificate of Origin (CoO) up to 31st August 2023 —reg.
This Directorate, vide Trade Notice No. 27/2022-2023 dated 28.03.2023, has extended transition period up to 31st December 2023 for mandatory filing of applications for Non -Preferential Certificate of Origin through the e-CoO Platform. The DGFT has been emphasizing the enlisted Agencies/chambers, notified under Appendix-2E since19.022021, vide Trade Notice No. 42/2020-2021, for on-boarding on the electronic 0,111(nm’ for Certificate of Origin (CoO) (URL: https://coo.dgft.gov.in) to provide an electronic, contact-less single window for the CoO related processes. However, it has been noted that despite various Trade Notices issued in the past and latest on 28 01.2023, a few enlisted Agencies/chambers have still not started the process of on-boarding which defeats the purpose of initiating the online system.
2. In this reference, it is informed that the transition period for mandatory filing of applications for Non-Preferential COO through the e-CoO Platform shall remain valid till 31st December 2023 (till then CoO applications in manual/paper mode shall be allowed). However, Agencies/chambers, notified under Appendix-2E are hereby given the last opportunity to on-board on the electronic platform for CoO latest by 31.08.2023 only. This will give sufficient time to such onboarded agencies for smooth transition to online system and conducting outreach programmes for their members to shin to online system before 31.12.2023.
3. Accordingly, all Agencies/chambers as notified under Appendix-2E, who have still not on-boarded on the e-CoO Platform, are required to ensure that their on-boarding process is completed at the earliest and no later than 31st August 2023 failing which these agencies/chambers shall be de-notified from Appendix 2E.
4. For guidance on registration and application submission process, the– Help Manual & FAQs may be accessed on the landing page at https://coo.dgft.gov.in.
For any further assistance any of the following channels may be utilized:
- Raise a service request ticket through the DGFT Helpdesk service
- Send an email to DGFT CoO Helpdesk at : coo-dgft@gov.in
- Call the toll-free DGFT Helpdesk numbers : 1800-572-1550 / 1800-111-550
This issues with the approval of the competent authority.
(Sanja Kumar Tiwari)
Deputy Director General of Foreign Trade
E-mail: sanjay.kt@nic.in
(Issued from File No. 01/93/180/28/AM-19/PC.II(B)/E-16025)
