Srinagar, July 23: The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI) has been formally 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 online Trade Connect Portal.
This significant development positions KCCI among a select group of business chambers across India entrusted with this responsibility.
The DGFT has mandated that, effective 1st January 2025, the manual issuance of Certificates of Origin will be discontinued nationwide. All such certifications are now to be processed exclusively through the digital platform, marking a major shift toward streamlining export documentation and compliance with international trade norms.
With this authorisation, KCCI becomes the first and only Business Chamber in Jammu & Kashmir empowered to issue online Certificates of Origin, enabling exporters from the region to access this crucial facility locally through a trusted institution. The Certificate of Origin is an essential document required by customs authorities in importing countries to establish the origin of goods, and it plays a pivotal role in facilitating smooth international trade.
KCCI President Javid Ahmad Tenga termed it a “landmark achievement” for the business community of Kashmir.
Exporters in J&K can now apply for the Certificate of Origin via the Trade Connect Portal, the dedicated online platform developed by DGFT. KCCI will process and verify the applications submitted through this portal, thus eliminating the need for physical submissions.
This step is expected to benefit a wide range of export sectors from Jammu & Kashmir, including handicrafts, carpets, shawls, horticulture, agri-produce, and processed food items, by facilitating a more seamless and globally aligned export certification process.
The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce & Industry expresses its gratitude to the DGFT for this recognition and assures the business community of its continued commitment to supporting and expanding Kashmir’s trade and export potential in the global marketplace.
Any exporter facing any difficulty in the issuance of Certificates of Origin (COOs) may contact the Chamber office for assistance and necessary support in navigating the online process.