Certificate of Origin (eCoO 2.0): how to apply
How to file a preferential Certificate of Origin for India–UAE CEPA on the eCoO 2.0 system at trade.gov.in, including documents and login.
Data last updated: · Maintained by India FTA Duty Toolkit
Do I need a Certificate of Origin for CEPA?
Yes. A preferential Certificate of Origin (CoO) is what lets you claim the CEPA reduced or zero rate. Without a valid CoO at import, customs charges the standard MFN rate — the benefit is lost.
The CoO is the evidence that your goods genuinely originate in the UAE under CEPA's Rules of Origin. It is issued before shipment by an authorised body and presented at Indian customs to unlock the preferential duty.
Filing on eCoO 2.0 (trade.gov.in)
Preferential CoOs must be filed through the eCoO 2.0 system at trade.gov.in, mandatory since 17 January 2025. You need an Import Export Code (IEC); your existing DGFT login works, and the platform supports Aadhaar e-signing or a DSC token.
eCoO 2.0 is the revamped DGFT platform that replaced the older filing process. Key features include multi-user access under a single IEC and back-to-back certificate support. Existing DGFT credentials carry over — no new account needed.
Documents you'll need
- Commercial invoice and packing list
- Shipping bill
- Bill of materials
- Cost certificate (supports the value-addition / RVC claim)
- Rules-of-Origin declaration
You upload these, pay the applicable fee, and the issuing agency reviews — sometimes seeking clarification — then digitally signs and issues the certificate. DGFT helpdesk: 1800-572-1550 (toll-free) or coo-dgft@gov.in.
Get the timing right
The CoO must exist before the goods ship. It cannot be arranged once the consignment is in transit, so build it into your pre-shipment checklist alongside the Rules of Origin check. See the full claim process for where this fits.
Frequently asked questions
- What is a Certificate of Origin and do I need one for CEPA?
- A Certificate of Origin (CoO) is a document proving where goods were produced. For India–UAE CEPA you need a preferential CoO to claim the reduced or zero duty rate — without it, customs charges the standard MFN rate.
- How do I apply for eCoO 2.0 on trade.gov.in?
- Preferential Certificates of Origin must be filed through the eCoO 2.0 system at trade.gov.in, mandatory since 17 January 2025. You need an Import Export Code (IEC); your existing DGFT login works, and the platform supports Aadhaar-based e-signing or a digital signature (DSC) token.
- What documents are needed for a CEPA Certificate of Origin?
- Typically the commercial invoice, packing list, shipping bill, bill of materials, a cost certificate, and a Rules-of-Origin declaration. The issuing agency reviews these before digitally signing and issuing the certificate.
This guide is general information for the India–UAE CEPA corridor, not legal or customs advice. Verify rates and rules against official CBIC and DGFT sources before filing.