CEPA Certificate: How to Obtain?

How to Apply for a CEPA Certificate for UAE–India Trade

A crucial part of facilitating smooth business and investment opportunities within the rapidly evolving global trade landscape is the establishment of economic agreements between nations. Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPA) are bilateral agreements that offer preferential treatment to goods and services traded between signatory countries. CEPA Certification, also known as a Certificate of Origin, is required for exporters to fully leverage the benefits of CEPA. By obtaining this certification, the exporter verifies that the goods being exported are Indian in origin and eligible for duty concessions. CEPA Certification is not just advantageous, but crucial for Indian businesses aiming to expand their global footprint, particularly in markets such as the UAE, Japan, and South Korea. Throughout this article, you will learn what CEPA Certification is, how it works, what documents are required and the application process, to ensure successful compliance.

Understand CEPA Certificate

CEPA stands for “Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement” refers to a formal certificate which is issued to exporters from a country which are part of the CEPA agreement. This certification offers to avail tariff concessions or duty benefits while goods trends with the partner country under the CEPA terms. Certified by CEPA the certificate of origin proves that the product exported to CEPA countries originated in India, thus qualifying them for preferential duty treatment. Below countries had signed CEPA with India - 

1. UAE (India-UAE CEPA) 
2. South Korea (India-Korea CEPA) 
3. Japan (India-Japan CEPA) 

Discussions are ongoing with other countries as well.

Here is the list of products which covered under CEPA certification - 

1. Textile
2. Automobile
3. Agriculture
4. Pharmaceuticals
5. Jewelry
6. Plastic
7. Leather

Benefits for obtaining CEPA Certificate

There are a number of benefits for obtaining a CEPA Certificate. Some of them mentioned here- 

• Goods exported with a CEPA Certificate offer lower or zero import duties, making them more encouraging to buyers in the importing country.
• CEPA Certification helps Indian businesses to enter high-demand global markets such as the UAE, Japan, and South Korea at competitive pricing.
• CEPAs simplify processes, reduce trade barriers, and encourage investment cooperation.
• With a valid Certificate of Origin, shipments get priority clearance, reducing delays and logistics cost valid Certificate of Origin reduces delays and logistics costs.
• CEPA Certification increases the credibility and value of Indian exports, resulting in higher volume of trade.

Process to obtain CEPA Certificate 

The stepwise process to obtain CEPA Certificate as follow: 

Step 1: Visit to the DGFT portal and register yourself by using your IEC and OTP. Use your login credential to access the COO (Certificate of Origin) module. 

Step 2: Select the relevant CEPA and corresponding importing country. 

Step 3: Fill out the details of exporter, shipment details, product information, HS Code, port information and preferential rule of origin. Also attach the supporting documents which are required.  

Step 4: Make the appropriate payment through the payment gateway on the portal and click the submit once it is completed. 

Step 5: After the application submission goes for the verification, the CEPA certificate of origin issued the certificate once it verifies from them.  You can download it digitally or print as per your requirement. 

Documents required for CEPA Certificate 

Here is the list of documents required for CEPA Certificate - 

• Organization based Digital Signature Certificate
• DGFT login ID
• Updated Import Export Code
• Digital Signature Certificate software
• Mobile number and email address of the representative
• Commercial invoice
• Product description
• Purchase order from importer company
• Manufacturer Exporter Declaration of the Company’s Letterhead
• Bill of Lading
• Exports Invoice copy
• Manufacturer's Declaration

Fees and Timeline for CEPA Certificates 

The fees for a CEPA Certificate varies from ?100 to ?4,000 per certificate which mainly depends on the goods and issuing authority. This certification is typically issued within one to three working days. Urgent or express services may be required for extra charges. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Q1: Is CEPA Certificate mandatory for all exports?

No, it’s only required if you want to claim preferential tariff benefits under a CEPA or similar trade agreement.

Q2: Can I apply for CEPA Certificate after the goods are shipped?

Some countries accept post-shipment certificates, but it’s best to apply before or at the time of shipment.

Q3: Do service exports require CEPA Certification?

No. CEPA Certificates apply only to physical goods exports, not services.

Q4: Is the CEPA Certificate valid for multiple shipments?

No, each shipment needs a separate certificate.

Q5: What is the validity of a CEPA Certificate?

It is valid for the particular shipment and must be presented at the port of entry in the importing country.