The DGFT has announced significant amendments to the Handbook of Procedures (HBP) 2023. These changes, detailed in Public Notice No. 29/2025-26 dated October 28, 2025, aim to streamline the process of obtaining Certificates of Origin (CoO) for exporters under the newly incorporated India-European Free Trade Association Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (India-EFTA TEPA).
Effective immediately, the following key amendments have been made:
- Inclusion of India-EFTA TEPA: A new entry, “xiv. India-European Free Trade Association Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (India-EFTA TEPA),” has been inserted under Para 2.88 (a) of the HBP, adding it to the list of existing Free Trade Agreements (FTAs).
- Self-Declaration for Certificates of Origin: A new sub-para (e) has been introduced in Para 2.91 of the HBP 2023. This crucial amendment now allows exporters, in the context of the India-EFTA TEPA, to obtain Certificates of Origin based on self-declaration, in addition to the existing system of issuance by authorised agencies.
The DGFT stated that these amendments are intended to facilitate exporters by providing an alternative and potentially faster method for securing CoOs under the India-EFTA TEPA. This move is expected to enhance ease of doing business and promote trade relations between India and the European Free Trade Association member countries.
The Public Notice can be accessed at: https://a2ztaxcorp.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/PN-29-English_0001.pdf
