CEPA (India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement)

CEPA is a landmark bilateral trade agreement between India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) designed to simplify and boost trade. The CEPA Certificate of Origin is a preferential trade document certifying that products exported from India to the UAE meet strict "Rules of Origin," allowing them to qualify for 0% or significantly reduced customs duties upon entry into the UAE.

It is required when an Indian exporter wants to claim preferential tariff benefits for goods being shipped to the UAE. It is essential for:

• Duty-Free Access: To eliminate the standard 5% UAE import duty on a vast majority of Indian products (such as textiles, engineering goods, and pharmaceuticals).

• Gems & Jewellery Exports: To benefit from specific duty concessions (like the 5% duty waiver on Indian jewellery).

• Customs Clearance: To prove to UAE customs that the product is a "qualifying" Indian good (generally requiring at least 40% value addition in India).

Required Documents

• Active IEC: Import-Export Code updated on the DGFT portal.

• Commercial Invoice & Packing List: Detailing the product description, quantity, and FOB value.

• Manufacturer's Declaration: A formal statement on company letterhead confirming that the product meets the 40% value addition (or product-specific) rule.

• Purchase Bills: Detailed bills for raw materials and consumables used, showing their origin to support the value-addition claim.

• Purchase Order: From the importer based in the UAE.

• Digital Signature (DSC): Required for the secure online filing of the application.