New Delhi: The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, has introduced an Open Application Programming Interface (API) facility for the issuance and verification of Certificates of Origin (CoO) through the Trade Connect e-Platform.
The facility is now available for use by eligible exporters and their systems.
The new Trade Connect e-Platform Open API facility allows exporters to integrate their Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), accounting or other business software directly with the DGFT’s CoO system.
This enables exporters to apply for Certificates of Origin directly from their own business software.
At present, exporters are required to enter CoO-related details separately on the DGFT platform, even when the same information is already available in their business software.
Through the Trade Connect e-Platform, application data can now be electronically transferred from the exporter’s system to the DGFT platform.
The facility is designed to eliminate repetitive data entry, reduce errors and expedite the Certificate of Origin application process.
Trade Connect e-Platform Supports Preferential and Non-Preferential CoOs
The Trade Connect e-Platform Open API facility supports both Preferential and Non-Preferential Certificates of Origin.
Preferential Certificates of Origin are issued under Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), Regional Trade Agreements (RTAs) and Preferential Trade Agreements (PTAs).
These certificates enable exporters to claim applicable tariff concessions in the importing country.
Non-Preferential Certificates of Origin, meanwhile, are issued for customs clearance, compliance, trade remedy and other trade purposes without providing tariff benefits.
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Three APIs Available for Exporters
Under the Trade Connect e-Platform facility, exporters can obtain API credentials through the API Management section of the CoO Portal.
Exporters are also required to register the IP addresses from which their systems will connect.
Three APIs have been made available under the facility:
- Authentication Token API: Enables secure login.
- CoO File API: Allows submission of applications and receipt of certificates.
- Certificate Verification API: Enables verification of issued certificates.
The Trade Connect e-Platform also maintains a transaction ledger for each application. The ledger provides details of the application status, including Draft, In Process, Approved, Certificate Issued and Rejected.
The transaction ledger also captures the acknowledgement ID, file number, file date and certificate number, allowing exporters to track their applications electronically.
Security Measures Under Open API Facility
The Open API facility on the Trade Connect e-Platform incorporates multiple security safeguards for secure and reliable information exchange.
All requests and responses are digitally signed using SHA-256 RSA digital signatures with 2048-bit X.509 certificates. These measures are intended to ensure data integrity, authentication of the sender and non-repudiation.
Passwords are protected using PBKDF2 hashing with a dynamic salt. Access is restricted to IP addresses whitelisted by the exporter, while each access token remains valid for 60 minutes.
Trade Agreements Covered Under the Facility
The Trade Connect e-Platform framework covers major trade agreements and certification schemes, including:
- India–Japan CEPA
- India–Korea CEPA
- SAFTA
- SAPTA
- ASEAN–India FTA
- India–Singapore CECA
- India–Malaysia CECA
- India–Chile PTA
- India–Mercosur PTA
- India–UAE CEPA
- India–Australia ECTA
- India–Oman CEPA
- India–EFTA TEPA
- India–UK CETA
Generalized System of Preferences
- Non-Preferential CoO Scheme
The system automatically applies the relevant fields, origin criteria and validation rules based on the agreement or certification scheme selected by the exporter.
- Registration and Technical Integration
The registration, authentication and technical integration process for the Trade Connect e-Platform Open API facility is available through the CoO section of the platform.
A step-by-step help manual has also been annexed to the Trade Notice.
Exporters, Export Promotion Councils, designated CoO issuing agencies and trade bodies may contact the DGFT Helpdesk through the toll-free numbers or e-mail for queries, suggestions and feedback relating to the eCoO module.
