What Is a CEPA Certificate of Origin?
The India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) gives preferential or zero customs duty on many Indian goods imported into the UAE. A CEPA certificate of origin proves that the goods qualify.
Preferential certificates of origin are applied for online on the DGFT common digital platform and issued by the designated agencies. The goods must meet the agreement’s rules of origin, such as minimum local value addition or a change in tariff classification.
Preferential origin, certified correctly
- Rules of origin checked
- Online application filed
- Query handling
Who Needs It?
- Exporters to the United Arab Emirates
- Jewellery, textile, engineering and food exporters to the UAE
- Manufacturers meeting CEPA rules of origin
- Merchant exporters supplying qualifying goods
Benefits
Lower import duty
Buyers pay reduced or zero customs duty under the agreement.
Competitive pricing
Your goods become cheaper than competitors without preference.
Faster clearance
Correct certificates avoid delays at the destination port.
Repeat orders
Buyers prefer exporters who supply valid origin certificates.
Documents Required
- Import Export Code (IEC)
- Commercial invoice and packing list
- Shipping bill or export order
- Cost sheet showing local value addition
- Details of raw materials and their origin
- Digital signature of the authorised signatory
Application Process
Origin check
We check that your product meets the agreement’s rules of origin.
Registration
Exporter registered on the DGFT certificate of origin platform.
Application
Filed online with invoice and cost details.
Verification
The issuing agency reviews and may raise queries.
Certificate issued
The certificate is issued for the shipment.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Assuming every product qualifies – Goods must meet the specific rules of origin of the agreement.
- Wrong HS code – The tariff classification decides the rule that applies.
- Mismatch with the invoice – Details must match the invoice and shipping documents.
- Applying too late – Plan the certificate before the goods reach the destination.
Keep in Mind
Keep records
Retain cost and origin records for verification requests.
Each shipment
A certificate is generally needed for every consignment.
Buyer coordination
Share the certificate promptly with your buyer.
Rule changes
Check for updates to the agreement.
Why Choose Vaidam Consultancy for CEPA Certificate of Origin
Export-focused team
We handle IEC, RCMC and other export registrations together.
Clear quote upfront
You receive our fee and all government charges before we begin.
Documents checked first
Fewer queries because details match across IEC, GST and PAN.
Renewal reminders
We track validity dates and remind you in time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Designated agencies, through the DGFT common digital platform for certificates of origin.
Generally yes, one certificate per consignment.
The United Arab Emirates, under the India-UAE CEPA.
They may still qualify if they meet the value addition or tariff-change rules of the agreement.
Usually a few working days once the application is complete.