Mumbai4: The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has introduced the revamped Non-Preferential Certificate of Origin (eCoO) 2.0 system. This upgrade aims to streamline the certification process for exporters by offering advanced features that enhance user-friendliness, efficiency, and digital integration. The newly enhanced system will officially launch on August 28, 2024, marking a significant step forward in the digital transformation of India’s export processes.
Issuing agencies are required to process all pending Non-Preferential Certificate of Origin applications submitted before August 27, 2024 using the legacy eCoO 1.0 system. After this date, subsequent actions on these applications (e.g., issuance of in-lieu certificates) will continue on the legacy platform. All new Non-Preferential Certificate of Origin applications filed on or after August 28, 2024, must be submitted through the eCoO 2.0 system.
Exporters will be able to begin filing their Non-Preferential Certificate of Origin applications through the eCoO 2.0 system starting August 28, 2024.
Issuing agencies have been provided with specific instructions for creating administrator and officer accounts on the new system. This includes the uploading of office stamps, signature images, and digital signature tokens to ensure that all required elements for processing applications are in place before the system goes live.
The revamped eCoO 2.0 system introduces a range of new functionalities that promise to ease operations for exporters and issuing agencies alike.
Multi-User Access: Exporters will now be able to assign multiple users or applicants under a single Importer Exporter Code (IEC), allowing for better delegation of responsibilities within an organization.
Aadhaar-Based E-Signature: In addition to the existing digital signature tokens, the system now allows e-signing through Aadhaar-based authentication, providing more flexibility in signing documents electronically.
Integrated Dashboard: The new platform offers a centralized dashboard, granting seamless access to the eCoO application, along with related services like Free Trade Agreement (FTA) details, trade event information, and other relevant trade resources. This integration will enhance user experience by allowing exporters to access multiple services from one portal.
The new system will be hosted on the government’s trade website: https://www.trade.gov.in, where exporters can log in and begin filing applications. To ensure a smooth transition to the upgraded system, the DGFT has laid out a clear timeline for the onboarding process and filing of Non-Preferential Certificates of Origin.
All authorized issuing agencies, including Chambers of Commerce and industry bodies (as listed in Appendix-2E of the Foreign Trade Policy), will be required to register on the eCoO 2.0 system. The onboarding process is expected to be completed by August 27, 2024.
To minimize disruption during the transition from the existing eCoO 1.0 system to the new eCoO 2.0 platform, the DGFT has provided detailed guidelines.
Exporters will not need to create new accounts on the revamped system if they are already registered on the DGFT website (https://dgft.gov.in). Existing login credentials will work seamlessly on the new platform. However, exporters who are not yet registered will need to sign up on the DGFT website and link their email to their IEC as per the defined processes.
An e-Wallet facility will also be available in the eCoO 2.0 system, providing users with the convenience of managing payments digitally. Key points related to this feature include Legacy Wallet Balance. The existing balance in the e-Wallet on the eCoO 1.0 system will not be transferred to the new platform on the launch date. It will remain available for use on Preferential CoO applications in the legacy system.
Users can add credits to the e-Wallet in the eCoO 2.0 system to manage payments for Non-Preferential Certificate of Origin applications. The migration of wallet balances from the legacy system to the new platform will occur at a later date, once the Preferential CoO processes have also been shifted to eCoO 2.0.
“To ensure that exporters and issuing agencies are well-prepared for the transition, the DGFT will organize Exporter Outreach Programmes aimed at demonstrating the features and benefits of the new eCoO 2.0 system. In addition, a detailed User Guide and FAQs will be made available on the official trade website to assist users in navigating the revamped system,” informed Manoj Kumar Meena, deputy director, DGFT.
“This revamped system is expected to significantly enhance the efficiency of the export certification process and bolster the ease of doing business for exporters across India. For further details, visit https://www.trade.gov.in or contact Manoj Kumar Meena, deputy director at manoj.meena84@gov.in,” Meena further said.
