Exporters Allowed Self-Declaration of Certificate of Origin under India–EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement
The Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has issued an amendment to the Handbook of Procedures (HBP) 2023, introducing provisions related to the India–European Free Trade Association Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (India–EFTA TEPA).
This amendment, notified under the powers conferred by Paragraphs 1.03 and 2.04 of the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2023, aims to streamline export facilitation by enabling self-declaration of Certificates of Origin (CoO) for exporters under the new trade pact.
Key Highlights of the Amendment
- Inclusion of India–EFTA TEPA in the List of FTAs
- A new entry has been added under Para 2.88(a) of the Handbook of Procedures.
- The following Free Trade Agreement is now officially included:
“xiv. India–European Free Trade Association Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (India–EFTA TEPA)”
- This aligns the HBP with India’s latest trade partnership framework with EFTA member nations.
- Introduction of Self-Declaration for Certificates of Origin
- A new sub-paragraph 2.91(e) has been inserted in the HBP 2023, which reads:
“In case of India–EFTA TEPA, Certificates of Origin may also be obtained on the basis of self-declaration by the exporter concerned, in addition to issuance of Certificate of Origin by an authorised agency.”
- This enables exporters to self-certify origin, thereby reducing procedural delays and promoting efficiency in trade documentation.
- Objective of the Amendment
- The amendment is designed to facilitate exporters under the India–EFTA TEPA framework.
- It introduces greater flexibility and ease of doing business, complementing the existing system of obtaining Certificates of Origin through authorised agencies.
Impact on Exporters
- Simplified Process: Exporters can now issue self-declarations for CoO, significantly reducing administrative timelines.
- Trade Facilitation: The move supports India’s commitment to enhance trade integration with EFTA countries — Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein.
- Operational Flexibility: Exporters retain the option to obtain CoO from authorised agencies when preferred or required.
Notification Reference: DGFT
Public Notice No.29/2025-26
28 /10 /2025