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 initiative is aimed at making the certification process faster, more efficient and less dependent on repetitive manual data entry for exporters.
Direct Integration with Business Software
Under the new facility, eligible exporters can connect their Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), accounting and other business software directly with the DGFT’s CoO system. Earlier, exporters generally had to enter Certificate of Origin information separately on the DGFT platform, even when the required details were already stored in their internal business applications.
The API-based system allows relevant information to be transferred electronically from an exporter’s existing software to the DGFT platform. This is expected to reduce duplication, minimise data-entry errors and accelerate the processing of CoO applications.
The facility covers both Preferential and Non-Preferential Certificates of Origin. Preferential CoOs are issued under various Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), Regional Trade Agreements (RTAs) and Preferential Trade Agreements (PTAs), allowing eligible exporters to claim tariff concessions in importing countries.
Non-Preferential CoOs, meanwhile, are used for purposes such as customs clearance, regulatory compliance and trade-related requirements without providing preferential tariff benefits.
Three APIs for Applications and Verification
The new framework provides exporters with three principal APIs. The Authentication Token API facilitates secure system login, while the CoO File API enables submission of applications and receipt of certificates. The Certificate Verification API allows issued certificates to be verified electronically.
To use the facility, exporters can obtain API credentials through the API Management section of the CoO Portal. They are also required to register the IP addresses from which their systems will establish connections with the DGFT platform.
A transaction ledger has also been incorporated into the system. It provides exporters with an electronic record of each application and its progress. The status can be tracked through stages such as Draft, In Process, Approved, Certificate Issued and Rejected.
The ledger additionally records important details, including the acknowledgement ID, file number, file date and certificate number, enabling exporters to monitor applications more effectively.
Strong Security Measures
DGFT has incorporated several safeguards to protect information exchanged through the API framework. Requests and responses are digitally signed using SHA-256 RSA digital signatures and 2048-bit X.509 certificates. These measures are intended to ensure data integrity, authenticate the sender and provide non-repudiation.
Passwords are secured through PBKDF2 hashing with a dynamic salt. Access to the system is also limited to IP addresses that have been whitelisted by exporters. Each access token remains valid for 60 minutes, adding another layer of protection to the authentication process.
Wide Range of Trade Agreements Covered
The API framework supports several major trade agreements and certification schemes. These include the 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 and India–UK CETA.
It also covers the Generalized System of Preferences and the Non-Preferential CoO Scheme. Based on the agreement or scheme selected by an exporter, the system automatically applies the applicable fields, origin criteria and validation requirements.
Digital Push for Trade Facilitation
The introduction of the Open API facility represents another step towards greater digital integration in India’s export ecosystem. By allowing exporters to connect their existing business systems with the government’s CoO platform, the initiative is expected to simplify compliance and improve operational efficiency.
Registration, authentication and technical integration details are available on the Trade Connect e-Platform. A step-by-step help manual has also been provided along with the relevant Trade Notice.
The DGFT has issued Trade Notice No. 25/2026-27 dated September 7, 2026, outlining the framework and implementation details. Exporters, Export Promotion Councils, designated CoO issuing agencies and trade bodies can approach the DGFT Helpdesk for queries, suggestions and feedback concerning the eCoO module.
Author: Shivam
Shivam Dwivedi is a senior journalist with extensive experience in research-driven journalism, policy communication, and multi-platform storytelling. His areas of interest include international relations, defence, science & technology, education, urban development, agriculture, spirituality, and environmental sustainability. His work focuses on in-depth analysis, public discourse, and impactful narratives across governance and development sectors, with a strong commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Contact: [email protected]
