SRINAGAR: The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) in a public notice on September 20, 2023 have announced the delisting of 29 chambers/agencies from Appendix 2E of the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2023.
This decision was made due to these agencies’ repeated failure to comply with the DGFT’s directives regarding the transition to the e-CoO platform for electronic issuance of Certificates of Origin.
The chambers delisted from Jammu and Kashmir are J&K Walnuts Exporters Association and The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce & Industry.
Furthermore, the list includes Indian Society of Agribusiness Professionals and the International Society for Small and Medium Enterprises from Delhi, the Assam Chamber of Commerce & Industry and the North East Chamber of Commerce & Industry from Assam, the Karnataka Small Scale Industries Association from Karnataka, and the Porbandar Chamber of Commerce & Industry from Gujarat.
Additionally, the Devi Ahilya Chamber of Commerce and Industries and The Soybean Processors Association of India from Madhya Pradesh, and the Association of Merchants & Manufacturers of Textile Stores and Machinery (India) from the same state were also among those delisted.
Furthermore, the list includes organisations like the MVIRDC World Trade Centre and the Indo German Chamber of Commerce from Maharashtra, the Associated Manipur Chamber of Commerce and the Federation of All Manipur Importers/Exporters Chamber of Commerce & Industry from Manipur, as well as the Border Trade Chamber of Commerce and the Meghalaya Mineral Exporters Chamber of Commerce from the same region.
Notably, the Bhiwadi Manufacturer’s Association and the Federation of Rajasthan Trade and Industry from Rajasthan, the Centre for Development of Stones (CDOS) from the same state, and The National Chamber of Commerce from Tamil Nadu were also affected. Additionally, chambers such as the Salem Dharmapuri Chamber of Commerce and the Indo-Australian Chamber of Commerce from Tamil Nadu, the Federation of Telangana Small (MSME) Industries Associations from Telangana, the Tripura Exporters-Importers Chamber of Commerce from Tripura, and the Eastern U.P. Chambers of Commerce & Industry, the Upper India Chamber of Commerce, and the Eastern UP Exporters Association from Uttar Pradesh, along with the Federation of Biri, Biri Leaves & Tobacco Merchants from West Bengal, found themselves delisted.
The delisting of these agencies, as per the public notice, is effective immediately.
Consequently, these agencies are no longer authorised to issue Certificates of Origin (Non-Preferential). This decision has far-reaching implications for exporters associated with these agencies, as it may impact their ability to carry out international trade activities smoothly.
In light of this development, exporters who were previously relying on these delisted chambers and associations for Certificates of Origin are advised to take the following steps.
Exporters are strongly encouraged to reach out to the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) for further information and guidance on the issuance of Certificates of Origin. DGFT can provide clarity on alternative options and processes.
Exporters should explore other authorized chambers and agencies that are compliant with the electronic issuance of Certificates of Origin. It is essential to ensure that the chosen entity is recognized and approved by DGFT.
Going forward, it is crucial for exporters to adhere to DGFT’s directives regarding the electronic issuance of Certificates of Origin via the e-CoO platform. This will help streamline the export documentation process and ensure compliance with international trade standards.
The delisting of 29 chambers and associations by DGFT signifies the government’s commitment to modernise and digitise trade processes, particularly concerning the issuance of Certificates of Origin. While this decision may pose initial challenges for affected exporters, it is expected to result in more efficient and transparent trade operations in the long run. Exporters are encouraged to adapt to these changes promptly and seek guidance from DGFT to mitigate any disruptions to their business activities.
