Trade · 5 min read
India–UAE CEPA: How a Certificate of Origin Can Cut Import Duty
A trade agreement only saves money if the paperwork is right.
Quick answer
The India–UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), in force since 2022, lowers or removes UAE import duty on many Indian-origin goods. To claim the benefit, the importer must present a valid preferential certificate of origin issued for the shipment, and the goods must meet the agreement's rules of origin.
What is CEPA?
CEPA is a bilateral trade agreement between India and the UAE designed to reduce tariffs and simplify trade. For many product lines, duty on Indian goods entering the UAE is reduced or eliminated.
What does the importer need?
- A preferential certificate of origin under CEPA for the specific consignment
- Goods that meet the agreement's rules of origin (for coffee and spices grown in India, origin is usually straightforward)
- Consistent details across the certificate, invoice and bill of lading
Who confirms eligibility?
The exporter applies for the certificate in India; the importer's customs broker confirms the preferential rate for the product's tariff code at clearance in the UAE.
Frequently asked questions
Can Versa Traders issue a CEPA certificate of origin?
Where the product qualifies, we apply for the appropriate preferential certificate of origin for your shipment.
