India’s FTA shift: From certificates to digital proofs

India’s 2025 CAROTAR rule change replaces “Certificate of Origin” with “Proof of Origin,” allowing self-certification and digital documents. While easing genuine trade under FTAs, it tightens scrutiny to curb misuse. Traders must adapt to tech-led compliance and updated FTA norms.

India’s foreign trade framework is undergoing a significant regulatory shift. On March 18, 2025, the Department of Revenue amended the CAROTAR (Customs Administration of Rules of Origin under Trade Agreements) Rules, replacing the term “Certificate of Origin” (CoO) with “Proof of Origin.” The move aims to streamline and modernize India’s compliance framework in line with international best practices, while also tightening scrutiny against misuse of Free Trade Agreement (FTA) benefits.

These changes hold strategic implications for Indian importers, exporters, and customs brokers, particularly those operating under preferential trade arrangements like ASEAN, Japan, Korea, and UAE CEPA.

What has changed?

From “Certificate” to “Proof” of Origin

The phrase “Certificate of Origin” — previously referring to specific documents issued by designated authorities — is now replaced by “Proof of Origin”, a broader term that:

• Recognizes self-certification, origin declarations, and e-documents.
• Accommodates diverse FTA requirements (e.g., RCEP-style formats).
• Enables exporters or manufacturers to declare origin on commercial invoices or digital platforms, where allowed.

This brings India in line with global FTA partners, many of whom already recognize multiple forms of origin documentation.

Broadened scope of acceptable documentation

With “Proof of Origin,” compliance now includes:

• Origin statements made by approved exporters.
• Documents submitted electronically via FTA partner platforms.
• Declarations made in digital customs systems or blockchain-ledgered trade platforms.
  

Enhanced Verification by Indian Customs

While documentation options expand, scrutiny is expected to intensify. Customs authorities can still:

• Demand additional records (production data, raw material sourcing).
• Conduct retrospective verifications directly with issuing authorities abroad.
• Deny preferential tariff claims if “proof” is inconsistent, unverifiable, or vague.
  

 Why the amendment matters

 Global best practice alignment

• Aligns India’s CAROTAR regime with the Pan-Euro-Mediterranean Protocol, EU’s REX system, and ASEAN Self-Certification models.
• Encourages digitization and faster customs clearance via trade facilitation tools.
  

Curbing FTA misuse

India’s revenue authorities flagged repeated misuse of FTA routes, especially for:

• Chinese-origin goods routed via ASEAN.
• Textile, electronics, and steel imports falsely claiming local value-addition.
• Paper-based CoOs without adequate traceability.
  

The 2025 reform ensures that India can verify, deny, or penalize in real-time if necessary.

Implications for Indian Traders

• Importers must ensure the submitted “proof of origin” complies with the specific documentation and procedural requirements of the partner country under the relevant FTA.
• Exporters may be required to self-certify their origin status, especially if operating under FTAs that permit self-declarations by approved exporters.
• Customs Brokers will play a larger role in verifying documentation formats, understanding the nuances of different FTAs, and ensuring correct filing under the new rules.

Technology as a compliance enabler

Businesses can adopt digital solutions to effectively navigate the new CAROTAR rules. For instance, an FTA document parser can validate the format, signatures, and legal standing of uploaded origin proofs. AI-based risk engines help identify patterns and flag questionable or incomplete documents before submission. A digital repository can store commercial invoices and self-certifications securely, allowing for quick retrieval and metadata tracking. These tools not only enhance compliance but also minimize delays and errors in FTA-based clearance processes.

 What Indian businesses should do now

1. Audit current imports using CoOs—can they be supported under new “proof” standards?
2. Register for Approved Exporter status (where allowed) to enable self-certification.
3. Train documentation staff on new formats, digital platforms, and partner-country-specific proof norms.
4. Implement customs automation tools that can read and validate origin proofs intelligently.
5. Stay updated via DGFT notifications and bilateral FTA authority releases.
   

Final thoughts

India’s shift from “Certificate” to “Proof” of origin under the CAROTAR Rules 2025 represents a strategic trade compliance evolution, not just a semantic one. As FTAs become more digitized and decentralized, businesses must adopt flexible, transparent, and tech-led practices.

The new regime provides greater flexibility for genuine traders while tightening the net against circumvention. For stakeholders ready to invest in modern customs intelligence and digital workflows, this reform can reduce compliance costs and unlock smoother FTA benefits.

---

Article authored by Liquidmind.ai