DGFT Authorised Agencies for Preferential Certificate of Origin under India-Oman CEPA in 2026

Implementation Date

The India-Oman Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) officially entered into force on 1 June 2026. The electronic issuance of Preferential Certificates of Origin (eCoO) through the Trade Connect ePlatform became operational from the same date.

All exporters availing benefits under the India-Oman CEPA must obtain Certificates of Origin electronically through the notified digital platform from 1 June 2026 onwards.

What This DGFT Notification Covers

DGFT has amended Appendix 2B of the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2023, officially notifying the agencies authorised to issue Preferential Certificates of Origin under India-Oman CEPA.  This notification explains which government agencies, and organisations are authorised to issue valid origin certificates for exports seeking preferential tariff benefits in Oman.

Notified Authorised Agencies Include:

• Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) and its regional offices
• Export Inspection Council (EIC)
• Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA)
• Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA)
• Central Silk Board
• Coir Board
• Spices Board
• Textile Committee
• Tobacco Board
• Development Commissioner for Handicrafts
• Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and designated authority offices

This update brings in transparency for the exporters and improves the implementation framework of India-Oman CEPA by identifying the competent authorities for issuing valid Preferential Certificate of Origin.

Impact on Indian Businesses

The eCoO framework under the India-Oman CEPA will impact exporters, importers, issuing agencies and trade service providers directly. To enjoy preferential tariff benefits, businesses must adapt to the new digital certification process.

1. Exporters to Oman (Direct Impact)

2. Omani Importers (Indirect Impact)

3.  Authorised Issuing Agencies (Operational Impact)

4. Trade Service Providers (New Opportunities)

How Businesses Will Achieve Compliance

Businesses must follow the prescribed eCoO process to claim CEPA benefits without disruption. Proper documentation and timely applications will ensure smooth customs clearance and duty savings.

Step-by-Step Compliance Process-

• Validate Product Eligibility: Verify if your product is listed in the CEPA tariff schedule of Oman, and is eligible for preferential treatment.
• Confirm Rules of Origin Compliance: Goods must comply with the requirements of the CEPA Rules of Origin (typically 40% Regional Value Content or product specific rules).
• Register on DGFT Services Portal: Log in at the DGFT portal with valid IEC (Importer Exporter Code) and DSC (Digital Signature Certificate).
• Select Agreement Category: Choose "India Oman CEPA (Agency Issued)" as the agreement while submitting applications.
• Choose Authorised Issuing Agency: Select from the list of notified agencies available on Trade Connect ePlatform based on your product category.
• Upload Required Documents: Submit export invoice, packing list, shipping bill, bill of materials, cost certificate, and RoO declaration.
• Obtain Approval: After agency review and approval, download the digitally signed eCoO (PDF with QR code).
• Use eCoO at Oman Customs: Omani importer presents the electronic CoO to claim preferential duty at customs clearance.

Documents Required for Preferential CoO

Before applying for a Preferential Certificate of Origin under India-Oman CEPA, exporters should keep all required documents ready. Having the necessary paperwork ready can help avoid delays, and make the application process smoother.

• Export Invoice
• Packing List
• Bill of Lading / Airway Bill
• Declaration of Origin (self-declaration by exporter)
• Manufacturing Process Details
• Product HS Code (8-digit classification)
• Trade Agreement Reference (India-Oman CEPA)
• Bill of Materials and Cost Certificate from a Chartered Accountant
• Any additional documents required by the agreement

Compliance Timeline

Timely completion of each stage of the eCoO process is essential to avoid shipment delays and ensure that importers in Oman can successfully claim preferential duty benefits. Exporters should plan documentation and application submissions well in advance of dispatch schedules.

Benefits Businesses Get After Implementation

The agreement creates significant opportunities through lower tariffs and simplified trade procedures. Businesses can improve competitiveness and expand their presence in the Omani market.

1. For Indian Exporters

2. For Omani Importers

3. For Indian Economy

Is This a Right Decision or Additional Burden?

The digital eCoO system strengthens transparency and trade facilitation under India-Oman CEPA. Although initial compliance requirements may challenge some MSMEs the long-term benefits outweigh the short-term adjustments.

1. Arguments for "Right Decision"

2. Arguments for "Additional Burden"

Balanced Verdict: This is a strategically correct and highly beneficial decision by DGFT. The digital eCoO system, notified agencies list, and CEPA tariff concessions create significant export opportunities for Indian businesses. The burden is minimal and manageable compared to the substantial benefits of zero-duty access to 98% of Oman's tariff lines. However, DGFT should provide user training, helpdesk support, and simplified application interfaces to assist MSMEs new to digital compliance.

How This Amendment Improves Quality and Consumer Satisfaction

While Certificate of Origin primarily facilitates tariff benefits rather than quality control, it indirectly improves consumer satisfaction through:

1. Enhanced Supply Chain Transparency

• Verification of QR code ensures genuine origin documents and reduces the proliferation of fake products.
• Digital signatures provide traceability of product origin from Indian manufacturer to Omani consumer.
• Better documentation means fewer customs delays and faster delivery of products to consumers.

2. Better Price Competitiveness

• Zero duty on Indian exports allows Omani importers to offer lower prices to consumers.
• Reduced import costs enable retailers to pass savings to end consumers.
• Competitive pricing increases accessibility of quality Indian products in Omani markets.

3. Increased Product Quality Standards

• CEPA's Rules of Origin requirements ensure products meet minimum value-addition criteria in India.
• Exporters must maintain manufacturing process documentation, improving quality control systems.
• Cost certificates from Chartered Accountants verify authentic production costs, reducing fraud.

4. Consumer Trust Enhancement

• Valid eCoO provides country-of-origin assurance to Omani consumers.
• QR verification enables consumers to authenticate product origin before purchase.
• Preferential treatment signals quality-grade products eligible for trade agreement benefits.

Business Opportunities Created

The implementation of India-Oman CEPA creates new opportunities for compliance consultants, export facilitators, and technology providers. Businesses offering advisory and digital support services can help exporters navigate the evolving trade landscape efficiently.

1. Corpseed DGFT Compliance Consulting Services

2. Export Facilitation Services

3. Other Corpseed Advisory Services

4. Export Market Expansion Advisory

5. Digital Compliance Technology Solutions