The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, has issued Trade Notice No. 34/2026-2027 dated November 13, 2026, announcing the facility for electronic filing and issuance of Preferential Certificates of Origin (CoO) under the India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (India-NZ FTA), which came into force on October 20, 2026.
The electronic issuance facility has been made available through the Trade Connect ePlatform (www.trade.gov.in), providing a unified digital platform for Indian exporters to apply for and obtain electronic Certificates of Origin (eCOO) for exports to New Zealand.
Electronic Issuance of Preferential Certificates of Origin Through Trade Connect ePlatform
As per the Trade Notice, exporters seeking Preferential Certificates of Origin under the India–New Zealand FTA can submit applications electronically through the “Certificate of Origin” service available on the Trade Connect ePlatform.
The facility enables authorised issuing agencies to process and approve applications electronically, thereby facilitating digital issuance of Preferential Certificates of Origin in accordance with the agreed provisions of the India-NZ FTA.
Procedure for Electronic Application and Issuance of eCOO
DGFT has prescribed the following key procedures for obtaining Preferential Certificates of Origin under the India–New Zealand FTA:
- Selection of Free Trade Agreement: Exporters shall select the agreement titled “India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (Agency issued)” while submitting their applications through the Trade Connect ePlatform.
- Selection of Authorised Issuing Agency: The list of authorised agencies, as agreed upon and duly notified by both countries, will be available on the portal for selection by applicants.
- Generation of Electronic Certificate: Upon submission of a complete application and its approval by the authorised issuing agency, the system will generate an electronic copy of the Certificate of Origin containing a QR code and digital signature.
- Digitally Authenticated Certificate: The electronic certificate will also bear the specimen signature of the issuing officer and the stamp of the issuing agency. Exporters can download and utilise the electronically issued certificate.
Existing DGFT Login Credentials Can Be Used for Trade Connect ePlatform
To facilitate ease of access and avoid duplication of registration requirements, DGFT has clarified that exporters may use their existing DGFT website login credentials (www.dgft.gov.in) to access the Trade Connect ePlatform without creating new login credentials.
Additional user accounts under the same Importer Exporter Code (IEC), wherever required, may also be created and linked using Digital Signature Certificates (DSCs) through the DGFT website. Such credentials can subsequently be used for accessing the Trade Connect ePlatform and filing applications for electronic Certificates of Origin.
Digital Signature and IEC Details Must Be Updated
DGFT has advised all IEC holders and associated users to ensure compliance with the following requirements for smooth processing of electronic CoO applications:
- Digital Signature Compatibility: The name appearing in the DGFT/Trade Connect user profile should exactly match the name recorded in the Digital Signature Certificate (DSC).
- Updated IEC Information: Exporters should ensure that all IEC-related details are updated in the DGFT system so that correct information is available while submitting applications for eCOO.
- Linking of DSC with IEC: Users may refer to the DGFT website under Learn → Application Help and FAQs → IEC Profile Management for guidance on linking DSCs and accessing relevant help documents and videos.
These requirements are intended to facilitate accurate digital authentication and minimise potential difficulties during electronic application and issuance.
Online Verification Mechanism for Certificates of Origin
An important feature highlighted in the Trade Notice is the availability of an online verification mechanism to establish the genuineness of electronically issued Certificates of Origin.
Authorities requiring verification of a Certificate of Origin presented by an exporter may access:
Trade Connect ePlatform → Certificate of Origin → Verify Certificate
The concerned authority must enter the relevant Certificate of Origin number, following which the platform will display the corresponding certificate details for verification.
This facility provides a digital mechanism for verifying the authenticity of Certificates of Origin issued through the platform.
DGFT Helpdesk Support for Exporters
DGFT has also provided dedicated support channels for exporters and stakeholders facing difficulties or seeking clarification regarding the electronic Certificate of Origin module.
Exporters may contact the DGFT Helpdesk through its toll-free assistance facility or submit their queries and suggestions through the designated email address: Email: coo-dgft@gov.in
Significance for Indian Exporters
The introduction of electronic filing and issuance of Preferential Certificates of Origin under the India–New Zealand FTA is an important procedural facilitation measure aimed at strengthening digital trade documentation.
The facility is expected to simplify the application process, reduce dependence on physical documentation, improve transparency and facilitate verification of origin certificates through QR codes and digital authentication.
Exporters intending to claim preferential tariff treatment for eligible goods under the India–New Zealand FTA should ensure compliance with the applicable rules of origin and other requirements prescribed under the Agreement.
Effective Date and Applicability
Trade Notice No. 34/2026-2027 dated November 13, 2026 expressly records that the India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement came into force on October 20, 2026, and confirms the availability of the electronic Certificate of Origin issuance facility through the Trade Connect ePlatform consequent upon the Agreement’s entry into force.
Key Takeaway
DGFT has operationalised a digital mechanism for filing, issuance and verification of Preferential Certificates of Origin under the India–New Zealand FTA, effective from October 20, 2026. Exporters can use their existing DGFT login credentials to obtain electronically issued certificates through the Trade Connect ePlatform, featuring QR codes, digital signatures and online verification facilities, thereby facilitating paperless export documentation and access to preferential trade benefits, subject to applicable conditions.
The Trade Notice can be accessed at: https://a2ztaxcorp.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/11/Trade-Notice-dated-13.11.2026_Ind-NZ-CoO.pdf
