Why in News
The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), the trade regulator under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, introduced an Open Application Programming Interface (API) facility for the Certificate of Origin (CoO) on its Trade Connect ePlatform on 7 September 2026.
What it does
- Open API for the Certificate of Origin: An Application Programming Interface (API) lets one software system request data from another automatically. The facility lets an exporter’s own software connect directly to the CoO portal. Certificate applications then flow through without manual entry on the government site.
- Certificate of Origin defined: A Certificate of Origin is a document that certifies the country in which goods were produced. It decides tariff treatment under trade agreements. A preferential CoO unlocks lower duty under a trade pact. A non preferential CoO only states origin without a duty concession.
- Trade Connect ePlatform: The Trade Connect ePlatform is a single window hub of trade information and services. It gives exporters tariff data, certification rules, buyer information and trade event listings. It integrates Indian Missions, Export Promotion Councils and Commodity Boards on one system.
- Target users: The facility is aimed at Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) exporters. Automated filing cuts the compliance time for repeat exporters.
Static Context
- Paperless issuance: The CoO platform runs as a single point of issuance and validation for both preferential and non preferential certificates. It replaced physical certificate counters with a secure electronic process.
- eCoO 2.0: DGFT earlier upgraded the system to eCoO 2.0, which added back to back certificate issuance for re exported goods.
- Governing setup: DGFT functions under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. It administers the Foreign Trade Policy and issues the Importer Exporter Code.
[2025] What are the challenges before the Indian economy when the world is moving away from free trade and multilateralism to protectionism and bilateralism? How can these challenges be met? (GS3, 10 marks)
