How to Apply for Certificate of Origin and GSP Form A

For exporters, issue of Certificate of Origin (COO) is mandatory for the smooth flow of export transaction. The said commercial document verifies that the merchandises originated from India. Consequently, the COO will encompass details of the product and its destination country. Thus, by establishing the derivative country the exporters are qualified to claim their benefits accordingly.

Preferential and Non-Preferential Certificate of Origin 

On one hand, Preferential certification is to avail tariff preferences over the goods depending on the origin countries. While, on the other hand, non- preferential certificate is to govern the nationality of the in-flowing goods. Note that, the rules of origin is attainable to both members and non- member businesses of ICC. Note that, a fee is set for the issuing the above-said certificates.

That apart it is important to note that, there is no particular COO for universal trade. Rather, a COO prepared by the exporter specifying all the necessary details and attested by ICC.

Obtaining a Certificate of Origin 

Regularly the COO is issued by Indian Chamber of Commerce. Nevertheless, multiple other organizations such as EIC, TPCI, FIEO and a few other organizations issue Certificate of Origin. Regardless of the organization, the procedure to procure the Certificate remains the same.

An affidavit filled and authenticated along with submission of manufacture invoice or commercial invoice to specify the origin of goods. Further, produce the complete COO along with ICC stamp personally or via email.

Register with Indian Chamber of Commerce

These steps must be followed to register with Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) as a member. Registration with ICC is recommended for exporters sending consignments regularly.

1. A non-judicial stamp paper of Rs 10 must be purchased in the name of the company or establishment (format for indemnity bond is available here).
2. Bond must be signed by the head (Director/ Partner/ Proprietor) of the company.
3. In addition to the bond the company or establishment need to submit profile, authorized signatory letter, IEC code copy and Pan card copy duly attested by the authorized signatory.
4. Following the submission of the bond, a registration number will be assigned by Indian Chamber of Commerce.
5. Submit the registration number each time a consignment applies for a COO.

Documents Required for Issue of Certificate of Origin 

1. A cover letter addressed to Director General, ICC that specifies the need to issue the COO.
2. An attested authorization letter.
3. Blank COO form purchased from ICC (cost of Rs 70/- per set of 50 pc).
4. A filled COO form with an additional copy to save in ICC records.
5. A copy of the signed invoice, packing list and copy of shipping bill.
6. Additionally you can submit Copy of Letter of Credit or Purchase Order or E-mail order.
7. An additional set of all the documents, to keep in ICC archives must be submitted.

Points to Remember while issuing a COO

1. The cost of attestation and issuing will depend on the number of pages submitted.
2. Any document submitted before 4 pm is processed the same day.
3. The information is certified only if the ICC can verify it. Therefore, it is mandatory to provide proof to every information produced.
4. Timing: 10.00 AM to 1.30 PM & 2.00 PM to 3.00 PM Monday to Friday
5. Delivery Time: 10.30 AM-11.30 PM (Next Day) Monday to Friday
6. Lunch Hours: 1.30 PM – 2.00 PM

Preferential Certificate of Origin

GSP Certificate of Origin Form A

Form A Certificate of Origin is mandatory to avail concession on import tariff for countries mentioned below. This unilateral beneficial Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) was extended from industrialized countries to encourage developing countries. In addition, importer benefits from GSP Form A Certificate of Origin from import duty and tariff.

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Accordingly, the said countries will expect the appropriately filled Form A with respective authority’s signatures. Most importantly, the consignment must fall under the eligible product list notified in the GSP guidelines.

Find the Generalized System of Preferences Certificate of Origin Form A Format below:

List of Agencies authorized to issue Generalized System of Preferences Certificate of Origin Appendix 4A

Global System of Trade Preference (GSTP)

Under Global System of Trade Preference, concessions are exchanged among 46 developing countries who have signed agreement. Similarly, Export Inspection Council (EIC) sole agency authorized to issue Certificate of Origin under GSTP for all products and Tobacco Board, Guntur for Tobacco & Tobacco products.

India has exchanged tariff concessions with 12 countries o­n a limited number of products.

Fee Structure

Blank form : Rs. 25/- per set/form

Certification Fee : Rs 350 /- per set /form (Without Physical verification)

South Asian Preferential Trading Agreement (SAPTA)

SAARC members namely India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Maldives offering tariff concessions under SAPTA.

Authorized Agencies to issue Certificates of Origin under SAPTA:

Various Export Development Authorities, Development Commissioners of EPZs / SEZs and Export Inspection Agencies

Fee Structure

Blank form : Rs. 25/- per set/form

Certification Fee : Rs 350 /- per set /form (Without Physical verification)

Asia-Pacific Trade Agreement (APTA)

Asia-Pacific Trade Agreement a preferential agreement for developing economic cooperation between Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, India, China, Cambodia, Thailand, Philippines and South Korea. Includes both tariff and non-tariff barriers in order to expand trade in goods in Economic and Social Commission for Asia and Pacific (ESCAP) region.

List of Agencies authorized to issue Certificate of Origin under APTA

Various Export Development Authorities including FIEO, Development Commissioners of EPZs / SEZs and Export Inspection Agencies are authorized to issue COO under APTA

Fee Structure

Blank form : Rs. 25/- per set/form

Certification Fee : Rs 350 /- per set /form (Without Physical verification)

APTA was originally named Bangkok Agreement (BA) till 1st September 2006.

India Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement (ISLFTA)

India Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement as the name suggests is between India and Sri Lanka. ISLFTA offers tariff concession by the Governments of both countries.

Note that the first consignment of a particular exporter will be physically verified and inspected by EIA before issue of Certificate of Origin under ISLFTA. In addition, EIA inspects and verifies 1 in 20 future consignments.

List of Agencies authorized to issue Certificate of Origin under ISLFTA

Export Inspection Council of India, through its field organizations, EIA, is the sole authority for issue of certificates of origin under ISLFTA.

Fee Structure

Blank form : Rs. 25/- per set/form

Certification Fee : Rs 350 /- per set /form (Without Physical verification)
Fee for physical verification: Rs 500/- per man per day. In addition, the exporter pays the actual cost of transportation of the inspector.

South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA)

South Asian Free Trade Area Agreement signed between SAARC members including Bhutan, Bangladesh, Maldives, Sri Lanka, India, Nepal and Pakistan. Promoting and enhancing trading, tariff concessions and economic cooperation between SAFTA countries.

Note that the first consignment of a particular exporter will be physically verified and inspected by EIA before issue of Certificate of Origin under SAFTA. In addition, EIA inspects and verifies 1 in 20 future consignments.

Authorized Agencies to issue Certificates of Origin under SAFTA:

Export Inspection Council of India, through its field organizations, EIA, is the sole authority for issue of certificates of origin under SAFTA.

Fee Structure

Blank form: Rs. 25/- per set/form

Certification Fee: Rs 350 /- per set form (Without Physical verification)
Fee for physical verification: Rs 500/- per man per day. In addition, the exporter pays the actual cost of transportation of the inspector.

India Afghanistan Preferential Trade Agreement (IAPTA)

In 2003, India Afghanistan preferential trade agreement was signed between Governments of India and Afghanistan.

Note that the first consignment of a particular exporter will be physically verified and inspected by EIA before issue of Certificate of Origin under IAPTA. In addition, EIA inspects and verifies 1 in 20 future consignments.

List of Agencies authorized to issue Certificate of Origin under IAPTA

Export Inspection Council of India, through its field organizations, EIA, is the sole authority for issue of certificates of origin under IAPTA.

Fee Structure

Blank form : Rs. 25 per set per form

Certification Fee : Rs 350 per set per form (Without Physical verification)
Fee for physical verification: Rs 500 per man per day. In addition, the exporter pays the actual cost of transportation of the inspector.

India Singapore Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA)

CECA bilateral agreement between India and Singapore was signed on 1st August 2005. The deal promoted economic relations between the countries to remove trade barriers and develop world trade. Governments of both countries to accord to tariff concession for import of goods originating from the respective countries.

Note that the first consignment of a particular exporter will be physically verified and inspected by EIA before issue of Certificate of Origin under CECA. In addition, EIA inspects and verifies 1 in 20 future consignments.

List of Agencies authorized to issue Certificate of Origin under India Singapore CECA

Export Inspection Council of India, through its field organizations, EIA, is the sole authority for issue of certificates of origin under CECA.

Fee Structure

Blank form : Rs. 25 per set per form

Certification Fee : Rs 350 per set per form (Without Physical verification)
Fee for physical verification: Rs 500 per man per day. In addition, the exporter pays the actual cost of transportation of the inspector.

India Thailand Framework Agreement Early Harvest Scheme

India Thailand framework agreement offers tariff preferences for imports on items of Early Harvest Scheme implemented on 1.9.2004. Under this agreement there is a list of products under tariff reduction which come under rules of origin. Promoting trade, economic relations and remove trade barriers between Thailand and India

Note that the first consignment of a particular exporter will be physically verified and inspected by EIA before issue of Certificate of Origin under Framework Agreement. In addition, EIA inspects and verifies 1 in 20 future consignments.

List of Agencies authorized to issue Certificate of Origin

Export Inspection Council of India, through its field organizations, EIA, is the sole authority for issue of certificates of origin under India Thailand Framework Agreement.

Fee Structure

Blank Form: Rs. 25 per set/form

Certification Fee: Rs 350 per set /form (Without Physical verification)
Fee for physical verification: Rs 500 per man per day. In addition, the exporter pays the actual cost of transportation of the inspector.

India Malaysia Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (IMCECA)

India Malaysia Comprehensive Economic Cooperation agreement signed in 2011. Like the name suggests the agreement is between Government of India and Malaysia to promote free trade and enhancement of economic relations between the countries.

List of Agencies authorized to issue Certificate of Origin under IMCECA

Export Inspection Council of India, through its field organizations, EIA, is the sole authority for issue of certificates of origin under IMCECA.

Fee Structure

Blank form : Rs. 25/- per set/form

Certification Fee : Rs 350 /- per set /form (Without Physical verification)

India Korea Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA)

The Government of India and Republic of Korea signed the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) in 2009 and came into force in 2010. CEPA recognizes economic liberalization and facilitation of trade of goods and services between the Countries. 

List of Agencies authorized to issue Certificate of Origin under CEPA

Export Inspection Council of India, through its field organizations, EIA, is the sole authority for issue of certificates of origin under CEPA.

Fee Structure

Blank form : Rs. 25/- per set/form

Certification Fee : Rs 350 /- per set /form (Without Physical verification)

India Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IJCEPA)

The Government of India and Japan have signed the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) in 2011. to increase investment opportunities and strengthen protection for investments and investment activities between the Countries. Export Inspection Council is the sole agency to issue Certificate of Origin under this Agreement. Annexure-2 of the agreement lists the products under preferential tariff agreement .

List of Agencies authorized to issue Certificate of Origin under IJCEPA

Export Inspection Council of India, through its field organizations, EIA, is the sole authority for issue of certificates of origin under IJCEPA.

Fee Structure

Blank form : Rs. 25/- per set/form

Certification Fee : Rs 350 /- per set /form (Without Physical verification)

Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)

ASEAN free trade agreement between Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and India. However, India entered the free trade agreement with ASEAN in 2009. Promoting and enhancing trading, tariff concessions and economic cooperation between ASEAN countries.

Authorized Agencies to issue Certificates of Origin under ASEAN

Export Inspection Council of India, through its field organizations, EIA, is the sole authority for issue of certificates of origin under ASEAN.

Fee Structure

Blank form: Rs. 25/- per set/form

Certification Fee: Rs 350 /- per set form (Without Physical verification)

In addition, following the implementation of NAFTA, its compulsory for all exports of Indian goods to Mexico to get the Certificate of Origin attested by designated officials of authorized Export Promotion Councils, Trade bodies or Chambers of Commerce. Find here the complete guide to rules of Certificate of Origin.