The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), on April 7, 2026, issued Public Notice No. 01/2026-27 amending Para 2.90 of the Handbook of Procedures (HBP), 2023 under the Foreign Trade Policy, 2023. The amendment has been made in exercise of powers under paragraphs 1.03 and 2.04 of the FTP, 2023.
The revised provision retains the definition and classification of Certificates of Origin (CoO) into preferential and non-preferential categories but introduces a key procedural change. It mandates that all authorised agencies listed in relevant appendices must accept applications and issue Certificates of Origin only through the designated electronic platform or any other platform notified by DGFT.
Further, the notification explicitly prohibits manual issuance of Certificates of Origin outside the prescribed digital platform, warning that any such non-compliance may result in revocation of authorization granted to issuing agencies. This amendment aims to enhance transparency, standardisation, and efficiency in the issuance of CoOs.
[Public Notice No. 01/2026-27]
