DGFT Introduces Open API Facility for Certificate of Origin Applications and Verification

[rakeshkumaar]

The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, has introduced an Open Application Programming Interface (API) facility for the issuance and verification of Certificates of Origin (CoO) through the Trade Connect e-Platform. The facility is now available to eligible exporters and their business systems.

The new Open API facility allows exporters to connect their Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), accounting, or other business software directly with the DGFT’s CoO system. Earlier, exporters had to enter CoO-related information separately on the DGFT platform, even when the same details were already available in their business software.

With the new facility, application data can be transferred electronically from an exporter’s own system to the DGFT platform. This reduces repetitive data entry, minimises the possibility of errors, and helps speed up the CoO application process.

Supports Preferential and Non-Preferential CoOs

The API facility supports both Preferential and Non-Preferential Certificates of Origin.

Preferential CoOs are issued under Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), Regional Trade Agreements (RTAs), and Preferential Trade Agreements (PTAs). These certificates allow eligible exporters to claim applicable tariff concessions in the importing country.

Non-Preferential CoOs, on the other hand, are used for purposes such as customs clearance, regulatory compliance, trade remedies, and other trade-related requirements. They do not provide tariff concessions.

Three APIs Available for Exporters

Exporters can obtain their API credentials through the API Management section of the CoO Portal and register the IP addresses from which their systems will connect to the DGFT platform.

The facility currently provides three APIs:

Authentication Token API: Enables secure authentication and login.
CoO File API: Allows exporters to submit applications and receive issued certificates.
Certificate Verification API: Enables verification of certificates issued through the system.

Electronic Tracking Through Transaction Ledger

The system maintains a transaction ledger for each CoO application. Exporters can use it to track the progress of their applications through different stages, including Draft, In Process, Approved, Certificate Issued, and Rejected.

The ledger also records important details such as the acknowledgement ID, file number, file date, and certificate number. This allows exporters to monitor their applications electronically and maintain a clear record of their CoO transactions.

Security Measures for Data Protection

The Open API framework includes several security measures to ensure the safe and reliable exchange of information between exporter systems and the DGFT platform.

All API requests and responses are digitally signed using SHA-256 RSA digital signatures with 2048-bit X.509 certificates. These measures help maintain data integrity, authenticate the sender, and provide non-repudiation.

Passwords are protected using PBKDF2 hashing with a dynamic salt. Access is also limited to IP addresses that have been whitelisted by the exporter. Each access token remains valid for 60 minutes.

Covers Major Trade Agreements and CoO Schemes

The API framework covers several major trade agreements and certification schemes, including:

- India–Japan CEPA
- India–Korea CEPA
- SAFTA
- SAPTA
- ASEAN–India FTA
- India–Singapore CECA
- India–Malaysia CECA
- India–Chile PTA
- India–Mercosur PTA
- India–UAE CEPA
- India–Australia ECTA
- India–Oman CEPA
- India–EFTA TEPA
- India–UK CETA
- Generalized System of Preferences (GSP)
- Non-Preferential CoO Scheme

The system automatically applies the relevant fields, rules of origin, and validation requirements based on the agreement or certification scheme selected by the exporter.

How to Access the API Facility

Exporters can access information about registration, authentication, and technical integration through the Certificate of Origin section of the Trade Connect e-Platform.

[Trade Connect e-Platform – Certificate of Origin](https://www.trade.gov.in/pages/certificate-of-origin)

Learn more about Certificate of Origin here

A step-by-step technical help manual has also been provided as an annexure to the Trade Notice to assist exporters with the integration process.

Exporters, Export Promotion Councils, designated Certificate of Origin issuing agencies, and trade bodies can contact the DGFT Helpdesk through the prescribed toll-free numbers or email for queries, suggestions, and feedback related to the eCoO module.