SRINAGAR: The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI) has been officially authorised by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India, to issue the Certificate of Origin (Non-Preferential) through the DGFT’s digital Trade Connect Portal.
This authorisation elevates KCCI to a select group of recognised business chambers across India entrusted with this critical responsibility, marking a significant step in aligning Jammu and Kashmir’s export infrastructure with national and international trade standards.
The DGFT has already mandated that from January 1, 2025, the manual issuance of Certificates of Origin will cease across the country, and all such documentation must now be processed exclusively through the online platform. This transition is aimed at streamlining export documentation, improving efficiency, and ensuring compliance with global trade norms.
With this digital empowerment, KCCI becomes the first and only business chamber in Jammu and Kashmir authorised to issue online Certificates of Origin, offering exporters in the region direct access to a crucial service through a locally based and trusted institution.
“This is a landmark achievement,” said Javid Ahmad Tenga, President of KCCI. “It reinforces the Chamber’s role as a facilitator of trade and will significantly ease the process for our exporters, especially in sectors like handicrafts, carpets, shawls, horticulture, processed food, and agri-products.”
The Certificate of Origin is a vital document required by customs authorities in importing countries to verify the origin of goods. It plays a key role in ensuring smooth clearance and preferential treatment under various trade agreements.
Exporters from the region can now apply for the certificate via the Trade Connect Portal, developed by DGFT. KCCI will process and verify the applications online, eliminating the need for physical submissions and thereby saving time and costs.
KCCI has assured the business community of its full support in navigating the new digital system and encouraged exporters to reach out to the Chamber’s office in case of any difficulties or clarifications regarding the process.
The Chamber has also expressed its gratitude to DGFT for the recognition and reiterated its commitment to strengthening Jammu and Kashmir’s export ecosystem and enhancing its integration with global markets.
