Why in the News?

The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has launched the enhanced Certificate of Origin (eCoO) 2.0 system, a major upgrade aimed at simplifying export certification and improving trade efficiency.

What is eCoO 2.0 System?

• The eCoO 2.0 system is a digital platform launched by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) to simplify and streamline the issuance of Non-Preferential Certificates of Origin (CoO).
• Effective January 1, 2025, exporters must electronically file CoO applications through this platform.
• It aligns with India’s Ease of Doing Business initiative by improving trade facilitation, digital authentication, and document processing.

Key Features of the eCoO 2.0 System

• Exporters must submit Non-Preferential Certificates of Origin (CoO) online.
• Allows exporters to authorize multiple users under a single Importer Exporter Code (IEC).
• Aadhaar-based e-Signing provides an alternative to Digital Signature Tokens, enhancing security and ease of use.
• Offers real-time access to eCoO services, Free Trade Agreement (FTA) details, trade events, and notifications.
• Exporters can request In-lieu CoO for rectifications on previously issued CoOs.
• The system handles 7,000+ eCoOs daily, integrating 125 issuing agencies, 110 chambers of commerce, and 650+ issuing officers.

Significance of the eCoO 2.0 System

• Reduces manual paperwork and speeds up export documentation.
• Digitally signed CoOs prevent fraudulent certifications and ensure traceability.
• Facilitates smoother re-exports, trans-shipments, and intermediary trade, boosting India’s position in global supply chains.
• Faster approvals help exporters comply with international trade agreements, enhancing competitiveness.
• Aligns with India’s push for paperless trade, reinforcing DGFT’s trade facilitation efforts.

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