Last updated: September 14, 2026
Indian exporters who regularly apply for Certificates of Origin (CoO) can now reduce repetitive data entry. The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has introduced an Open API facility for Certificate of Origin through the Trade Connect e-Platform.
The facility allows eligible exporters to connect their ERP, accounting software or other business systems with the DGFT’s CoO system and electronically exchange application information.
What is the DGFT Certificate of Origin API?
Think of an API as a digital bridge between two software systems.
Instead of taking information that already exists in your ERP or accounting software and entering it again on the DGFT platform, the API allows the relevant data to be transferred electronically to the Certificate of Origin system.
This can reduce:
- Repetitive data entry
- Manual copying of information
- Data-entry errors
- Time spent preparing frequent CoO applications
The API supports both Preferential and Non-Preferential Certificates of Origin.
How does it work?
The basic workflow is:
Your ERP / Accounting Software
↓
DGFT CoO API
↓
Trade Connect e-Platform
↓
CoO application & processing
↓
Certificate issued / information returned to your system
The API framework includes facilities for authentication, submission of CoO files and verification of issued certificates. A transaction ledger also allows exporters to track application status and important reference details.
Who will benefit most?
The API is likely to be most useful for exporters who handle a high volume of Certificate of Origin applications and already maintain their export information digitally.
For example:
| Exporter | Potential benefit |
|---|---|
| Occasional exporter | Limited benefit |
| Regular MSME exporter | Reduced repetitive work |
| Export house | Better process automation |
| High-volume exporter | Significant reduction in manual entry |
| ERP-enabled business | Easier data exchange with DGFT |
If you only apply for a CoO occasionally, using the normal Trade Connect process may still be simpler.
Do you need an ERP to use the API?
Not necessarily to apply for a Certificate of Origin.
The API is particularly relevant if your business already uses an ERP, accounting system or other software that can be technically integrated with DGFT’s system.
In other words, DGFT’s API does not mean every exporter needs to buy an ERP.
The existing Trade Connect platform continues to provide the normal CoO application process for exporters. The official exporter guide provides options to start a fresh application or continue an existing draft.
What does an exporter need for API integration?
DGFT’s new framework requires an onboarding and technical integration process. Exporters can obtain API credentials through the API Management section of the CoO portal and register the public IP addresses from which their systems will connect.
The framework also includes digital-signature and security requirements for API communication.
Therefore, businesses should involve their ERP/software provider or technical team before attempting an integration.
Why is this important for MSME exporters?
For a business preparing a handful of applications, manually entering information may not be a major problem.
But imagine an exporter submitting hundreds of CoO applications while maintaining the same customer, product and business information in an ERP.
The real benefit of the API is therefore not simply “online Certificate of Origin.”
It is the ability to connect existing business data with the government platform and reduce unnecessary duplication.
What exporters should do now
If your business regularly applies for Certificates of Origin:
1. Check your application volume.
If you submit CoOs frequently, automation may provide meaningful savings.
2. Check your software.
Ask your ERP/accounting software provider whether it can support the DGFT CoO API.
3. Review DGFT’s API requirements.
The technical onboarding process and help material are available through Trade Connect.
4. Keep data accurate.
API integration can reduce manual entry, but it does not remove the exporter’s responsibility for providing correct information.
5. Start with testing.
Before depending on automation for regular shipments, validate that your internal data and the API workflow are working correctly.
The bigger picture
DGFT’s Certificate of Origin API is another step toward more connected digital export documentation.
For small exporters, it may simply be another option. For businesses processing large numbers of CoO applications, however, connecting their existing software directly with the DGFT system could remove a significant amount of repetitive work.
The key question for an exporter is therefore not “Do I need this API?” but “How much manual CoO work could my business eliminate by connecting the systems I already use?”
Official information
DGFT’s announcement was issued through Trade Notice No. 25/2026-27 dated September 7, 2026. The registration, authentication and technical integration process is available through the Certificate of Origin section of the Trade Connect e-Platform.
Important: API availability, technical requirements and supported schemes can change. Exporters should check the latest DGFT/Trade Connect documentation before implementing an integration.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the DGFT Certificate of Origin API?
It is an Open API facility that allows eligible exporters to integrate their ERP, accounting or other business software with DGFT’s Certificate of Origin system.
Does the API support both preferential and non-preferential CoOs?
Yes. DGFT states that the facility covers both Preferential and Non-Preferential Certificates of Origin.
Is the Certificate of Origin API mandatory?
The introduction of the API does not mean every exporter must integrate their software. Exporters can continue using the applicable online CoO process on Trade Connect.
Can MSMEs use the DGFT CoO API?
Eligible MSMEs can potentially use it if they have a suitable software system and complete the prescribed technical onboarding and integration requirements.
Where can exporters find the API information?
The API registration, authentication and integration process is available under API Management for Exporters in the Certificate of Origin section of the Trade Connect e-Platform.
🔗 Official Sources
- DGFT / Ministry of Commerce & Industry — Open API for Certificate of Origin
Official PIB announcement - Trade Connect e-Platform — Certificate of Origin
DGFT Trade Connect CoO Portal - DGFT — Official Website
DGFT Official Website
The key announcement is Trade Notice No. 25/2026-27 dated 7 September 2026. DGFT states that the Open API supports both Preferential and Non-Preferential Certificates of Origin and allows eligible exporters to connect ERP, accounting or other business software with the CoO system.
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💡 For exporters
If you’re already using an ERP or accounting system and regularly apply for Certificates of Origin, this DGFT API could be worth discussing with your software provider. For occasional exporters, the normal Trade Connect application process may remain the simpler option.
Disclaimer: This article is for general educational and business-information purposes. DGFT procedures, API specifications, eligibility and technical requirements may change. Always check the latest official DGFT/Trade Connect documentation before implementing an integration or relying on a particular export procedure.
AI Disclosure: AI tools may have been used to assist with research, drafting or editing. The article is reviewed for accuracy using official government sources, but readers should verify current requirements with DGFT or the relevant issuing authority before taking action.