DGFT has introduced an Open API facility on the Trade Connect e-Platform for issuing and verifying Certificates of Origin.
The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), 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 for use by eligible exporters and their systems.
The Open API enables exporters to integrate their Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), accounting or other business software directly with DGFT’s CoO system. Previously, exporters had to enter CoO-related details separately on the DGFT platform even when the same information already existed in their business software. The new facility allows electronic transfer of application data from the exporter’s system to the DGFT platform, removing repetitive data entry, reducing errors and speeding up the application process.
The facility supports both Preferential and Non-Preferential Certificates of Origin. Preferential CoOs are issued under Free Trade Agreements, Regional Trade Agreements and Preferential Trade Agreements, allowing exporters to claim tariff concessions in the importing country. Non-Preferential CoOs are issued for customs clearance, compliance, trade remedy and other trade purposes without tariff benefits.
Exporters can obtain API credentials through the API Management section of the CoO Portal and register the IP addresses from which their systems will connect. Three APIs have been made available: the Authentication Token API for secure login, the CoO File API for submission of applications and receipt of certificates, and the Certificate Verification API for verifying issued certificates.
A transaction ledger is maintained for each application, tracking its status through stages including Draft, In Process, Approved, Certificate Issued and Rejected. The ledger also records the acknowledgement ID, file number, file date and certificate number, allowing exporters to track applications electronically.
The facility incorporates several security safeguards. All requests and responses are digitally signed using SHA-256 RSA digital signatures with 2048-bit X.509 certificates to ensure data integrity, sender authentication and non-repudiation. Passwords are protected using PBKDF2 hashing with a dynamic salt, access is restricted to IP addresses whitelisted by the exporter, and each access token remains valid for 60 minutes.
The framework covers 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, the Generalized System of Preferences and the Non-Preferential CoO Scheme. The system automatically applies relevant fields, origin criteria and validation rules based on the agreement or scheme selected by the exporter.
Registration, authentication and technical integration details are available on the Trade Connect e-Platform, with a step-by-step help manual annexed to the Trade Notice. Exporters, Export Promotion Councils, designated CoO issuing agencies and trade bodies may contact the DGFT Helpdesk for queries, suggestions and feedback relating to the eCoO module.
Source: Press Information Bureau
