The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) in India has extended the deadline for mandatory electronic filing of Non-Preferential Certificate of Origin (CoO) to December 31, 2023. This applies to applications filed through the Common Digital Platform.
Background on Non-Preferential CoO e-Filing Deadline Extensions
This extension comes after previous Trade Notices issued by the DGFT extended the deadline to October 1, 2021, January 31, 2022, and March 31, 2023. During the interim period until December 31, 2023, the existing manual/paper mode application processing system will continue to be allowed.
DGFT Trade Notice No. 27/2022-2023 dated 28/03/2023: Extension of Date for mandatory e-filing of Non-Preferential Certificate of Origin (CoO) through Common Digital Platform to December 31, 2023
Optional Use of Online System for Non-Preferential CoO
Exporters and Non-Preferential CoO Issuing Agencies, as notified under Appendix-2E of the Foreign Trade Policy, have the option to use the online system. However, the online application process is not mandatory until December 31, 2023. To assist with the registration and online application submission process, the Help Manual and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) are available on the landing page at https://coo.dgft.gov.in.
Sensitizing the Exporting Community to eCoO Platform
The authorized Non-Preferential CoO Issuing Agencies are required to sensitize the exporting community and their constituents regarding the online eCoO platform and its registration requirements. They should encourage exporters to use the online eCoO platform to streamline the process and benefit from the system’s advantages.
Benefits of Online eCoO Platform
The electronic filing of Non-Preferential CoO is a part of the Indian Government’s Digital India initiative, aimed at improving the ease of doing business and enhancing transparency. The online eCoO platform offers several benefits to exporters, including reduced processing time, increased accuracy, and reduced chances of errors and delays.
Conclusion
The extension of the deadline for mandatory electronic filing of Non-Preferential CoO to December 31, 2023, offers exporters additional time to transition to the online eCoO platform. The existing manual/paper mode application processing system will continue to be allowed until that date. The use of the online eCoO platform is optional until December 31, 2023, after which it will become mandatory. Exporters and Non-Preferential CoO Issuing Agencies are encouraged to use the online eCoO platform to streamline the process and benefit from the system’s advantages.