Certificate of Origin (COO) Preparation Checklist

The checklist reflects DGFT and trade-agreement origin rules. Confirm the specific origin criteria with the issuing authority.

Work through every requirement for a preferential or non-preferential Certificate of Origin application — origin rules, documents, issuance and post-clearance steps. Progress is saved automatically in your browser. Free for Indian exporters.

Quick Answer: How do I prepare a Certificate of Origin application?

A Certificate of Origin is issued in India by DGFT and approved chambers of commerce (non-preferential) or by DGFT / designated agencies under each FTA (preferential). For a preferential COO you must prove origin: pick the right origin criterion (wholly obtained, substantial transformation or regional value content), meet the agreement threshold — SAFTA 30%, APTA 35%, India-UAE CEPA 40% RVC — and attach the commercial invoice, packing list, shipping bill and raw-material cost statements. The application is e-signed with a Class 3 DSC, and the COO copy goes to the importer for destination clearance while you retain records for 3 years. Tick through the checklist below — or hand the filing to our COO desk on WhatsApp.

2026 filing update: From 1 January 2025 all non-preferential COO applications must be filed on the DGFT eCoO 2.0 portal (coo.dgft.gov.in) using your IEC login; preferential COOs are filed on the same platform. Standard issuance takes 1–2 working days (fees typically ₹500–5,000 by agency). Back-to-Back COOs under Public Notice 43/2024–25 are also supported on eCoO 2.0.

Checklist

Tick items as you complete them. Your progress is saved locally.

Trade agreement (shows the value-addition rule for your destination):

1. Applicant & Exporter Details
2. Goods & Origin Rules
3. Supporting Documents
4. Application & Issuance
5. Post-Issuance

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Preferential vs Non-Preferential Certificate of Origin

A non-preferential COO certifies the country of origin for general trade documentation, bank requirements or anti-dumping purposes. A preferential COO (under SAFTA, APTA, India-UAE CEPA, RCEP and other FTAs) certifies origin for claiming reduced or zero import duty at the destination country — and requires you to prove origin under the agreement's rules (value addition or change of tariff heading).

For preferential certificates, the origin criterion and value-addition threshold are the most common rejection points. Use this checklist before every application to ensure your origin declaration, supporting cost statements and HS codes are complete and consistent with the invoice and shipping bill. Our Certificate of Origin services can handle the full filing at DGFT, port or chamber.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who issues Certificates of Origin in India?

Non-preferential COOs are typically issued by DGFT or approved chambers of commerce; preferential COOs are issued by DGFT / approved agencies under the relevant FTA. The checklist covers the requirements common to both.

What is the value addition needed for preferential origin?

Thresholds differ by agreement — e.g. SAFTA requires about 30% value addition, APTA 35%, India-UAE CEPA and RCEP 40% RVC (or 35% plus change in tariff heading in some cases). Verify the applicable rule for your destination.

How long should I keep COO records?

Keep origin-related records (invoices, cost statements, raw material purchases, shipping bills) for at least 3 years, as destination customs may request verification documents after clearance.

What is the Certificate of Origin checklist for?

It guides exporters through origin rules, supporting documents and issuance steps for both preferential and non-preferential Certificates of Origin, and produces a print-ready summary.

Are the checklist rules official?

The checklist is based on publicly available DGFT and trade-pact origin requirements. Always confirm the specific origin criteria with the issuing authority or your CHA before applying.

How much does a Certificate of Origin cost and how long does issuance take?

Fees typically range from ₹500 to ₹5,000 per certificate depending on the issuing agency, number of items and urgency, and standard issuance takes 1–2 working days. Most chambers offer same-day or 24-hour rush processing for an additional fee — useful when a vessel is waiting on documents.

Where do I file the COO application — what is eCoO 2.0?

Since 1 January 2025, non-preferential COO applications must be filed exclusively on the DGFT eCoO 2.0 portal (coo.dgft.gov.in) using your IEC login, replacing the earlier ICEGATE-based e-filing. Preferential COO applications for FTAs are also filed on the same platform, where you upload the invoice, packing list and manufacturing declaration, pay the fee electronically and track the application status online.

What is a Back-to-Back COO and who needs one?

Introduced by Public Notice 43/2024–25 dated 27 January 2025, a Back-to-Back COO lets an exporter ship intermediate goods to another country for further manufacturing and still claim Indian origin for the value added in India on the final export — relevant for global value chains, e.g. Indian components assembled in Vietnam before export to the US. These are filed on eCoO 2.0 like other preferential certificates.

Is the Certificate of Origin Checklist free to use?

Yes. The Certificate of Origin Checklist is 100% free for personal and commercial use — no registration, login or payment required.

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