DGFT Introduces Open API Facility for Certificate of Origin on the Trade Connect e-Platform

The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has introduced an Open Application Programming Interface (API) facility for the issuance and verification of Certificates of Origin (CoO) on the Trade Connect e-Platform. This facility enables exporters to directly integrate their Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) or accounting software with the DGFT's CoO system, allowing electronic data transfer to eliminate manual data entry, minimize errors, and expedite processing. The framework supports both Preferential Certificates of Origin—issued under various Free Trade Agreements, Regional Trade Agreements, and Preferential Trade Agreements to claim tariff concessions—and Non-Preferential Certificates of Origin for customs clearance and trade remedy purposes. The system incorporates robust security safeguards, including SHA-256 RSA digital signatures, PBKDF2 password hashing, and IP whitelisting.