India-UK CETA eCOO from 15 July 2026: Complete Guide to Electronic Certificate of Origin on Trade Connect

The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has introduced the electronic filing and issuance of Preferential Certificates of Origin (eCOO) under the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA). Effective 15 July 2026, exporters can obtain preferential Certificates of Origin through the Trade Connect ePlatform, enabling a fully digital and streamlined certification process.

The new system provides two methods for obtaining an eCOO:

  • Self-Declaration by eligible exporters
  • Issuance through an Authorized Agency

The initiative aims to simplify export documentation, reduce processing time, improve authenticity through QR codes and digital signatures, and strengthen India’s trade facilitation framework under the India-UK CETA.

What is the India-UK CETA eCOO?

The electronic Certificate of Origin (eCOO) is a digital certificate that confirms goods exported from India satisfy the origin requirements prescribed under the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement.

The certificate enables eligible exporters to claim preferential tariff benefits in the United Kingdom.

From 15 July 2026, all India-UK CETA Certificates of Origin will be processed through the Trade Connect ePlatform (www.trade.gov.in).

Modes of Issuance under India-UK CETA

The Trade Connect platform supports two separate issuance methods:

1. Self-Declaration Based eCOO

Eligible exporters can generate their own Certificate of Origin using Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) after filing the application online.

2. Agency-Issued eCOO

Exporters may alternatively apply through an authorized issuing agency, which verifies the application before issuing the electronic Certificate of Origin.

Self-Declaration eCOO Process

Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) is Mandatory

Only users linked with the Import Export Code (IEC) through a valid Digital Signature Certificate can generate a self-declared Certificate of Origin.

The applicant’s name in the DGFT profile must exactly match the Digital Signature details.

Upload of Signature

Applicants must upload a scanned copy of their ink-signed signature.

The uploaded signature is used while generating the electronic certificate.

Application Process

The exporter should:

  • Select India-UK CETA (Self-Declaration) as the Agreement.
  • Complete the application.
  • Authenticate using DSC or Aadhaar.
  • No application fee is payable.

Branch Selection and Jurisdiction Mapping

During filing, exporters must select the applicable branch linked to their IEC.

The system automatically maps:

  • DGFT Regional Authority, or
  • Jurisdictional SEZ Authority

This authority will handle verification requests if raised by UK authorities under the Agreement.

Auto Approval Status

Once the application is submitted, the status becomes:

“Auto Approved Pending Issuance.”

The applicant can then generate the self-declared Certificate of Origin.

Generation of Certificate

The certificate is generated only after:

  • Uploading the signature (if not already uploaded)
  • Applying the linked Digital Signature Certificate

Copies Issued

Two downloadable versions are generated:

Electronic Copy

  • QR Code
  • Digital Signature
  • Scanned signature of exporter
Physical Copy
  • QR Code
  • Blank signature space
  • Exporter signs after printing

Both versions may be submitted depending upon the importing authority’s requirements.

Agency-Issued eCOO Process

Exporters preferring issuance through an authorized agency should:

  • Select India-UK CETA (Agency Issued).
  • Choose an authorized issuing agency.
  • Submit the completed application.

After approval, the system generates an electronic Certificate of Origin containing:

  • QR Code
  • Digital Signature
  • Signature image of the issuing officer
  • Official agency stamp

Common Guidelines for Exporters

All IEC holders should note the following:

Existing DGFT Login Can Be Used

Existing DGFT login credentials can also be used on the Trade Connect platform.

No new registration is required.

Multiple User Accounts

Organizations may create multiple user accounts linked to the same IEC by associating each account with a Digital Signature Certificate.

Ensure Correct IEC Details

Exporters should verify that:

  • IEC details are updated.
  • Branch information is correct.
  • User profile information matches the Digital Signature.

Accurate information helps prevent delays during Certificate issuance.

Certificate Verification by Foreign Authorities

To verify the authenticity of a Certificate of Origin, authorities can use the verification facility available on the Trade Connect platform.

Verification is performed by entering the Certificate of Origin Number, which displays the corresponding certificate details available in the system.

The QR Code and digital records improve transparency and reduce the possibility of document fraud.

DGFT Support for Exporters

DGFT has provided multiple support channels for exporters requiring assistance with the eCOO module.

Support is available through:

Note:

The electronic filing and issuance system under the India-UK CETA became operational from 15 July 2026. Exporters intending to claim preferential tariff benefits under the Agreement should ensure their IEC details, Digital Signature Certificate (DSC), and Trade Connect profile are updated before filing applications. Self-declaration requires a valid DSC, while agency-issued certificates require approval by an authorized issuing agency.

Benefits of the New eCOO System

The new electronic Certificate of Origin system offers several advantages:

  • Completely digital filing process
  • Faster issuance of Certificates
  • QR Code-based authentication
  • Secure digital signatures
  • Reduced paperwork
  • Easy online verification
  • Better compliance under India-UK CETA
  • Enhanced transparency for customs authorities

Conclusion

The rollout of the electronic Certificate of Origin (eCOO) under the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement marks a significant step in India’s export digitization efforts. By enabling both self-declaration and agency-issued certificates through the Trade Connect ePlatform, DGFT has simplified the certification process while enhancing transparency and security.

Exporters planning shipments to the United Kingdom should familiarize themselves with the applicable issuance method, ensure their IEC and Digital Signature details are updated, and utilize the Trade Connect platform to seamlessly obtain preferential Certificates of Origin under the India-UK CETA from 15 July 2026.

Notification Reference: DGFT
Trade Notice No. 11/2026-27
13/07/2026

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