Certificate of Origin: Preferential vs Non-Preferential, and How to Apply
A certificate of origin (CoO) states the country where goods were produced. A preferential certificate lets the buyer claim lower duty under a trade agreement, and in India it is issued through the DGFT's electronic certificate of origin platform by designated agencies. A non-preferential certificate simply proves origin, often for customs, LCs or buyers, and is usually issued by chambers of commerce. Some newer agreements let exporters self-certify origin instead.
Preferential vs non-preferential
| Preferential | Non-preferential | |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Claim reduced or zero duty under an FTA | Prove origin for customs, LC or buyer |
| Issued by | Agencies designated for each agreement, through DGFT | Chambers of commerce and other authorised bodies |
| Rules | Must meet the agreement's rules of origin | Goods must originate in India |
How to apply for a preferential certificate
- Check the rules of originConfirm your product qualifies under the agreement with the buyer's country.
- Register on the DGFT e-CoO platformUse your IEC login.
- Apply for the certificateEnter shipment, invoice and origin criteria details.
- Verification by the agencyThe issuing agency checks and approves the application.
- Send it to the buyerThe buyer uses it to claim the lower duty at import.
When self-certification applies
Some agreements, such as the India-UK CETA, let the exporter declare origin on the commercial documents instead of getting a certificate for every shipment. Keep records that prove the goods meet the rules of origin.
Frequently asked questions
What is a certificate of origin?
A document certifying the country where the exported goods were produced.
Who issues a preferential certificate of origin in India?
Agencies designated for each trade agreement, through the DGFT electronic certificate of origin platform.
Is a certificate of origin always required?
No. It depends on the buyer, the importing country, the LC terms and whether the buyer wants a trade-agreement duty benefit.
Can exporters self-certify origin?
Under some agreements, such as the India-UK CETA, yes. See our India-UK CETA guide.
How BuyGenix Solutions helps
We prepare and check export documents so they match each other, the buyer's order and any letter of credit, which avoids delays at customs and at the bank. BuyGenix members can also see live buyer requirements from importers in India and abroad.
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