India and MERCOSUR sign protocol on electronic certificates of origin and launch talks to expand their trade pact
On 14 September 2026, India and MERCOSUR signed the First Additional Protocol to their Preferential Trade Agreement to accept electronic Certificates of Origin, and announced negotiations to expand the agreement.
Summary
The First Additional Protocol to the India–MERCOSUR Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) amends Article 16 of Annex III (Rules of Origin) so that Certificates of Origin issued electronically have the same legal validity as paper ones, supporting paperless trade. It was signed by Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agarwal and the Ambassadors of Uruguay and Paraguay, in the presence of Uruguay's Foreign Minister Mario Lubetkin, who holds MERCOSUR's Pro Tempore Presidency. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and Lubetkin also announced the launch of talks to expand the PTA to new areas, with the Terms of Reference being finalised. The PTA was signed on 25 January 2004 and entered into force on 1 June 2009; it gives tariff concessions on 450 tariff lines by India and 452 by MERCOSUR.
Key facts
- Signed
- 14 Sep 2026 — First Additional Protocol to India–MERCOSUR PTA
- Change
- Electronic Certificates of Origin valid like paper ones (Art. 16, Annex III — Rules of Origin)
- Expansion talks
- Announced by Piyush Goyal and Uruguay FM Mario Lubetkin; ToR being finalised
- MERCOSUR chair
- Uruguay — Pro Tempore Presidency
- PTA history
- Signed 25 Jan 2004; in force 1 Jun 2009
- Coverage
- 450 tariff lines (India), 452 (MERCOSUR)
Practice MCQs 4 questions
What does the First Additional Protocol to the India–MERCOSUR PTA, signed on 14 September 2026, provide for?
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Correct answer: C — Acceptance of electronic Certificates of Origin
The protocol gives electronic Certificates of Origin the same legal validity as paper ones.
Which country held the Pro Tempore Presidency of MERCOSUR when India and MERCOSUR announced talks to expand their PTA in September 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Uruguay
Uruguay's Foreign Minister Mario Lubetkin acted in the exercise of MERCOSUR's Pro Tempore Presidency.
The First Additional Protocol to the India–MERCOSUR PTA amends a provision in which part of the agreement?
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Correct answer: B — Annex III — Rules of Origin
It amends Article 16 of Annex III (Rules of Origin).
Consider the following about the India–MERCOSUR Preferential Trade Agreement: 1. It was signed in 2004 and entered into force in 2009. 2. Under it, India gives tariff concessions on more tariff lines than MERCOSUR does. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct. The PTA was signed on 25 January 2004 and entered into force on 1 June 2009. India offers concessions on 450 tariff lines and MERCOSUR on 452, so MERCOSUR covers slightly more.