Pakistan Single Window (PSW), in collaboration with Export Development Fund (EDF), has launched a QR code-enabled Electronic Certificate of Origin (e-COO) to streamline and digitize the country’s cross-border trade processes. This service introduces a more efficient and transparent approach to issuing non-preferential certificates of origin, a key requirement in export documentation, by allowing exporters to apply and receive them entirely online through authorized chambers and trade bodies.
The initiative replaces the need for manual paperwork, significantly reducing application and processing times. By shifting the process onto a centralized digital platform, exporters will benefit from faster turnaround, enhanced security, and improved traceability. The service is integrated with the PSW system, enabling seamless access for trade bodies that are currently being onboarded. These chambers are being equipped with access credentials and technical support to ensure uniform availability of the new digital service across different sectors.
This collaboration between PSW and EDF also introduces a significant cost-saving feature: the waiver of export declaration fees. This waiver, enabled by EDF’s funding support, lowers the entry barrier for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in particular, allowing them to adopt digital services without incurring additional financial burden. It is expected that this will encourage broader adoption of e-services within the export sector and facilitate ease of doing business for smaller traders.
The use of QR codes in the e-COO adds a layer of digital verification, improving authenticity and helping foreign authorities quickly validate the origin of goods without reliance on paper-based verification methods. This capability strengthens the credibility of Pakistani exports and simplifies documentation in international trade transactions.
This service is part of PSW’s broader mandate to modernize trade facilitation infrastructure in Pakistan. By leveraging digital tools and fostering partnerships with public sector institutions such as EDF, PSW continues to work on solutions that improve efficiency, transparency, and accessibility in the export ecosystem. The launch of the e-COO is a practical step in promoting digital transformation in trade, making processes faster and more user-friendly for exporters of all sizes.
Through this joint initiative, PSW and EDF are demonstrating a shared commitment to enhancing the competitiveness of Pakistan’s exports. As chambers and trade associations across the country gain access to the new service, the transition to paperless trade will become more feasible and beneficial for exporters navigating increasingly digital global markets. The adoption of this system is likely to improve operational timelines, reduce administrative overhead, and build confidence in the use of electronic documentation within the trade community.
