India and MERCOSUR sign First Additional Protocol to the PTA: electronic Certificates of Origin to have the same legal validity as paper ones
India and MERCOSUR have signed the First Additional Protocol to their Preferential Trade Agreement. It amends Article 16 of Annex III (Rules of Origin) so that Certificates of Origin issued in electronic format have the same legal validity as paper ones. The Protocol enters into force only after both sides complete their internal procedures and notify each other.
Key facts
- In force
- On completion of internal procedures by India and the MERCOSUR Parties and mutual notification; date not stated
- Who it affects
- Exporters and importers claiming preference under the India–MERCOSUR PTA, Certificate of Origin issuing agencies, customs brokers
- What it is
- New facility
- Section
- Foreign Trade
- Published
- 14 September 2026
In 30 seconds
- The First Additional Protocol to the India–MERCOSUR PTA has been signed, according to the Commerce Ministry release of 14 September 2026.
- It amends Article 16 of Annex III (Rules of Origin) of the PTA.
- Electronic Certificates of Origin are to have the same legal validity and identical value as paper Certificates of Origin.
- They must be issued and electronically signed under each Party’s domestic legislation, by duly authorised entities and officials.
- The Protocol enters into force upon completion of internal procedures by India and the MERCOSUR Parties and notification to each other.
- The PTA covers 450 tariff lines on the Indian side and 452 on the MERCOSUR side.
हिंदी में सार
भारत और MERCOSUR ने अपने Preferential Trade Agreement के First Additional Protocol पर हस्ताक्षर किए हैं। इसके तहत इलेक्ट्रॉनिक रूप में जारी Certificate of Origin को कागज़ी प्रमाणपत्र के बराबर कानूनी मान्यता मिलेगी। यह Protocol तभी लागू होगा जब दोनों पक्ष अपनी आंतरिक प्रक्रियाएँ पूरी करके एक-दूसरे को सूचित कर देंगे; तारीख अभी नहीं बताई गई है।
What has been signed
India and MERCOSUR have signed the First Additional Protocol to the India–MERCOSUR Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) to facilitate acceptance of electronic Certificates of Origin, according to a release of the Ministry of Commerce & Industry dated 14 September 2026.
The Protocol was signed by the Commerce Secretary, Shri Rajesh Agarwal, the Ambassador of Uruguay to India, H.E. Mr Alberto Guani, and the Ambassador of Paraguay to India, H.E. Mr Fleming Raul Duarte Ramos. The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uruguay, H.E. Mr Mario Lubetkin — Uruguay holding the Pro Tempore Presidency of MERCOSUR — was present, as were representatives of the Embassies of Argentina and Brazil.
What the Protocol changes
The Protocol amends Article 16 of Annex III (Rules of Origin) of the PTA. It provides that Certificates of Origin issued in electronic format shall have the same legal validity and identical value as Certificates of Origin issued in paper format.
Such electronic certificates are required to be issued and electronically signed in accordance with the respective domestic legislation of the Parties, by duly authorised entities and officials.
It is not in force yet
The release is specific on this: the Protocol will enter into force upon completion of the respective internal procedures by India and the MERCOSUR Parties and notification of the same to each other. No date is given.
The agreement behind it
| Point | As stated in the release |
|---|---|
| India–MERCOSUR PTA signed | 25 January 2004 |
| Entered into force | 1 June 2009 |
| Coverage | Preferential tariff concessions on 450 tariff lines by India and 452 tariff lines by the MERCOSUR side |
| Joint Administrative Committee, fourth meeting | 27 November 2025 — both sides supported updating the Agreement to facilitate digital Certificates of Origin |
| Joint Administrative Committee, fifth meeting | 9 April 2026 — the proposal for the Additional Protocol adopted by mutual consent |
What it is expected to do
According to the Ministry, the move is expected to facilitate the shift to digital and paperless trade documentation, reduce the transaction costs and processing time involved in issuing and verifying Certificates of Origin, and improve the efficiency of preferential trade under the existing PTA.
What exporters and importers should do
Traders who claim preference under the India–MERCOSUR PTA should continue with the present documentation until the Protocol enters into force; the release does not say that electronic certificates are accepted as of now. Once both sides have notified completion of their internal procedures, an electronically issued and signed Certificate of Origin will stand on the same footing as a paper one. Watch for that notification and for any procedural instructions that follow it.
Questions and answers
What does the First Additional Protocol to the India–MERCOSUR PTA do?
According to the release, it amends Article 16 of Annex III (Rules of Origin) of the PTA to provide that Certificates of Origin issued in electronic format shall have the same legal validity and identical value as Certificates of Origin issued in paper format.
Is the Protocol in force?
Not yet. The release says it will enter into force upon completion of the respective internal procedures by India and the MERCOSUR Parties and notification of the same to each other. No date is given.
Who can issue an electronic Certificate of Origin?
The release says electronic Certificates of Origin will be required to be issued and electronically signed in accordance with the respective domestic legislation of the Parties, by duly authorised entities and officials.
How wide is the India–MERCOSUR PTA?
The Agreement, signed on 25 January 2004 and in force from 1 June 2009, provides preferential tariff concessions on 450 tariff lines by India and 452 tariff lines by the MERCOSUR side.
Published 14 September 2026. Updated 6 October 2026. This report is for general information and is not professional advice. Read the source document before acting on it.