The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), on November 13, 2026, has amended Para 2.88 of the Handbook of Procedures (HBP), 2023, and Appendix 2B of the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP), 2023, in exercise of powers under paragraphs 1.03 and 2.04 of the FTP, 2023.
The amendment inserts the India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (India–New Zealand FTA) at Serial No. xvii under Para 2.88(a) of the HBP, 2023. Further, the list of authorised agencies permitted to issue Preferential Certificates of Origin (CoO) under Appendix 2B has been expanded to include DGFT and its regional offices, Export Inspection Council and Export Inspection Agencies, APEDA, MPEDA, Central Silk Board, Coir Board, Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Spices Board, Textile Committee, Tobacco Board and specified Special Economic Zone authorities. The respective agencies are authorised to issue CoOs for the product categories specified in the Public Notice, including agricultural and processed food products, marine products, silk, coir, handicrafts, spices, textiles, tobacco and products exported by eligible SEZ units and EOUs.
The amendment facilitates the issuance of preferential Certificates of Origin under the India–New Zealand FTA by incorporating the agreement into the prescribed FTA list and identifying the agencies authorised to issue such certificates. Exporters intending to claim preferential tariff treatment under the agreement should approach the relevant authorised agency based on their product category.
[Public Notice No. 40/2026-27]
