The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, has issued Public Notice No. 09/2026-27 dated 11th May 2026, notifying amendments in Para 2.88 and Para 2.91 of the Handbook of Procedures (HBP) 2023 under the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2023.
The amendments have been notified in exercise of powers conferred under Paragraphs 1.03 and 2.04 of the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2023. The changes aim to facilitate exporters in availing Certificate of Origin (CoO) benefits under the India–United Kingdom Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (India-UK CETA).
India-UK CETA Added to List of FTAs under Para 2.88
As part of the amendment, DGFT has inserted a new entry under Para 2.88(a) of HBP 2023 by adding the following agreement to the existing list of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs):
“India–United Kingdom Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (India-UK CETA)”
This inclusion formally recognizes India-UK CETA within the framework governing issuance of Certificates of Origin under India’s Foreign Trade procedures.
Amendment in Para 2.91 for Self-Declaration Facility
DGFT has also amended Para 2.91(e) of HBP 2023 to enable exporters to obtain Certificates of Origin on the basis of self-declaration for specified agreements.
The amended provision states that:
In the case of India-EFTA TEPA and India-UK CETA, Certificates of Origin may also be obtained on the basis of self-declaration by the exporter concerned, in addition to issuance of Certificate of Origin by an authorised agency.
This provision is expected to significantly simplify export documentation processes and reduce procedural burden for exporters engaged in trade under these agreements.
Major Relief for Exporters
According to DGFT, the effect of the Public Notice is to facilitate exporters in obtaining Certificates of Origin under the India-UK CETA through self-declaration mechanisms, alongside the existing system of issuance through authorised agencies.
The initiative is expected to improve ease of doing business, promote faster trade facilitation, and enhance operational efficiency for Indian exporters participating in preferential trade arrangements with the United Kingdom.
The Public Notice can be accessed at: https://a2ztaxcorp.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Amendment-in-Para-2.88_0001-1.pdf
