Srinagar, Sep 23: The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), under the Government of India, has taken significant action to streamline the issuance of Certificates of Origin (Non-Preferential) for exporters. In a public notice dated September 20, 2023, the DGFT announced the delisting of 29 chambers/agencies from Appendix 2E of the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2023. This decision was made due to these agencies’ repeated failure to comply with the DGFT’s directives regarding the transition to the e-CoO platform for electronic issuance of Certificates of Origin.
De-Listed Chambers and Associations
The list of chambers and associations that have been delisted includes:
- Indian Society of Agribusiness Professionals (Delhi)
- International Society for Small and Medium Enterprises (Delhi)
- Assam Chamber of Commerce & Industry (Assam)
- North East Chamber of Commerce & Industry (Assam)
- Karnataka Small Scale Industries Association (Karnataka)
- Porbandar Chamber of Commerce & Industry (Gujarat)
- J&K Walnuts Exporters Association (J&K)
- The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce & Industry (J&K)
- Devi Ahilya Chamber of Commerce and Industries (Madhya Pradesh)
- The Soyabean Processors Association of India (Madhya Pradesh)
- Association of Merchants & Manufacturers of Textile Stores and Machinery (India) (Madhya Pradesh)
- MVIRDC World Trade Centre (Maharashtra)
- Indo German Chamber of Commerce (Maharashtra)
- Associated Manipur Chamber of Commerce (Manipur)
- Federation of All Manipur Importers/Exporters Chamber of Commerce & Industry (Manipur)
- Border Trade Chamber of Commerce (Manipur)
- Meghalaya Mineral Exporters Chamber of Commerce (Manipur)
- Meghalaya International Exporters Chamber of Commerce (Manipur)
- Bhiwadi Manufacturer’s Association (Rajasthan)
- Federation of Rajasthan Trade and Industry (Rajasthan)
- Centre for Development of Stones (CDOS) (Rajasthan)
- The National Chamber of Commerce (Tamil Nadu)
- Salem Dharmapuri Chamber of Commerce (Tamil Nadu)
- Indo-Australian Chamber of Commerce (Tamil Nadu)
- Federation of Telangana Small (MSME) Industries Associations (Telangana)
- Tripura Exporters-Importers Chamber of Commerce (Tripura)
- Eastern U.P. Chambers of Commerce & Industry (Uttar Pradesh)
- Upper India Chamber of Commerce (Uttar Pradesh)
- Eastern UP Exporters Association (Uttar Pradesh)
- Federation of Biri, Biri Leaves & Tobacco Merchants (West Bengal)
Immediate Effect of Delisting
The delisting of these agencies, as per the public notice, is effective immediately. Consequently, these agencies are no longer authorized to issue Certificates of Origin (Non-Preferential). This decision has far-reaching implications for exporters associated with these agencies, as it may impact their ability to carry out international trade activities smoothly.
Advice to Exporters
In light of this development, exporters who were previously relying on these delisted chambers and associations for Certificates of Origin are advised to take the following steps:
- Contact DGFT: Exporters are strongly encouraged to reach out to the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) for further information and guidance on the issuance of Certificates of Origin. DGFT can provide clarity on alternative options and processes.
- Explore Other Authorized Entities: Exporters should explore other authorized chambers and agencies that are compliant with the electronic issuance of Certificates of Origin. It is essential to ensure that the chosen entity is recognized and approved by DGFT.
- Compliance with E-CoO Platform: Going forward, it is crucial for exporters to adhere to DGFT’s directives regarding the electronic issuance of Certificates of Origin via the e-CoO platform. This will help streamline the export documentation process and ensure compliance with international trade standards.
Conclusion
The delisting of 29 chambers and associations by DGFT signifies the government’s commitment to modernize and digitize trade processes, particularly concerning the issuance of Certificates of Origin. While this decision may pose initial challenges for affected exporters, it is expected to result in more efficient and transparent trade operations in the long run. Exporters are encouraged to adapt to these changes promptly and seek guidance from DGFT to mitigate any disruptions to their business activities.
