In a move poised to streamline international textile trade, the Indian government has unveiled a significantly upgraded electronic Certificate of Origin (eCoO) system. The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) launched eCoO 2.0, designed to simplify certification for exporters and accelerate trade efficiency. This digital enhancement offers features like multi-user access, allowing exporters to authorize multiple users under a single Importer Exporter Code (IEC). This is particularly relevant for the textile sector, often involving complex supply chains and multiple stakeholders.
The upgraded platform already processes over 7,000 certificates daily, demonstrating its impact on trade facilitation. A key development for textile businesses involved in re-exports or trans-shipments is the mandatory electronic filing of non-preferential certificates of origin via this platform from January 2025. These certificates are crucial for goods not of Indian origin, intended for re-export, trans-shipment, or merchanting trade, and are often integral to international textile supply chains. The Back-to-Back CoO, issued based on evidence from the original country of origin, now includes explicit details of the origin and supporting documents, enhancing transparency and accuracy for textile exporters and importers alike. This initiative is expected to significantly improve turnaround times and reduce bureaucratic hurdles for textile businesses engaged in global commerce.
