India, MERCOSUR Sign Protocol to Enable Electronic Certificates of Origin, Advancing Paperless Trade
— Suman Munshi | IBG NEWS
New Delhi, September 14, 2026: India and the MERCOSUR member countries have taken a significant step towards digitising trade documentation with the signing of the First Additional Protocol to the India–MERCOSUR Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA).
The new protocol is designed to facilitate the acceptance of electronic Certificates of Origin (e-CoOs), supporting paperless trade, streamlining customs procedures and making preferential trade processes more efficient.
The agreement was signed by Commerce Secretary Shri Rajesh Agarwal on behalf of the Government of India, along with H.E. Alberto Guani, Ambassador of Uruguay to India, and H.E. Fleming Raul Duarte Ramos, Ambassador of Paraguay to India. The signing ceremony was attended by H.E. Mario Lubetkin, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Oriental Republic of Uruguay, representing Uruguay in its capacity as Pro Tempore President of MERCOSUR, as well as representatives of the Embassies of Argentina and Brazil.
Electronic Certificates to Receive the Same Legal Status
The First Additional Protocol introduces an amendment to Article 16 of Annex III of the India–MERCOSUR PTA, which deals with Rules of Origin.
Under the amendment, Certificates of Origin issued electronically will carry the same legal validity and value as their paper-based counterparts. The electronic certificates will have to be issued and digitally signed in compliance with the applicable domestic laws and procedures of the respective parties by authorised institutions and officials.
The change is expected to reduce dependence on physical documentation and make the process of issuing, transmitting and verifying Certificates of Origin faster and more efficient.
Lower Transaction Costs and Faster Customs Processing
The adoption of electronic Certificates of Origin is expected to contribute to a more streamlined trading environment by reducing paperwork, processing time and administrative costs.
The initiative could also improve the verification process for businesses seeking preferential tariff treatment under the India–MERCOSUR PTA, while supporting the broader shift towards digital customs and paperless international trade.
Decision Followed Joint Administrative Committee Discussions
The move follows discussions held under the Joint Administrative Committee (JAC) of the India–MERCOSUR PTA.
At the committee’s fourth meeting on November 27, 2025, India and MERCOSUR agreed on the importance of updating the agreement to accommodate digital Certificates of Origin. The proposed Additional Protocol was subsequently approved through mutual consent at the fifth JAC meeting held on April 9, 2026.
The protocol will become effective after India and the MERCOSUR parties complete their respective domestic procedures and formally notify one another of their completion.
Strengthening India–MERCOSUR Trade Relations
The signing marks another step in efforts by India and MERCOSUR to modernise trade facilitation mechanisms and strengthen the institutional framework supporting their economic relationship.
The India–MERCOSUR Preferential Trade Agreement, signed on January 25, 2004, came into force on June 1, 2009. The agreement currently provides preferential tariff concessions covering 450 tariff lines from India and 452 tariff lines from the MERCOSUR side.
The latest protocol is expected to further simplify the operational aspects of preferential trade and support greater adoption of modern customs practices.
The development also reflects the continuing efforts of India and MERCOSUR to deepen economic engagement, improve trade facilitation and expand opportunities for businesses on both sides.
