The India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) represents a significant milestone in the bilateral trade relations between India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), aiming to enhance economic cooperation and facilitate increased trade and investment flows between the two countries. To benefit from the CEPA, businesses must meet certain eligibility criteria, including compliance with rules of origin, which determine the nationality or origin of goods for the purpose of trade preferences. Eligible goods must satisfy specific criteria outlined in the CEPA, such as minimum value-added requirements or substantial transformation in the exporting country, to qualify for preferential tariff treatment.

Rules of origin under the India-UAE CEPA are designed to ensure that only goods originating from India or the UAE enjoy the benefits of the agreement, thus preventing circumvention of trade rules and safeguarding the interests of domestic industries. Importers seeking to claim preferential tariff treatment under the CEPA must obtain a Certificate of Origin (CoO) from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) in India. The CoO serves as documentary evidence that the goods meet the prescribed rules of origin criteria and are entitled to preferential treatment under the CEPA.

To obtain a CoO from DGFT for exports under the India-UAE CEPA, exporters must submit a duly filled application along with supporting documents, such as commercial invoices, packing lists, and proof of origin certificates issued by relevant authorities. DGFT will verify the information provided and assess whether the goods qualify for preferential treatment under the CEPA. Once approved, the CoO will be issued to the exporter, allowing them to claim preferential tariff benefits when exporting goods to the UAE. By complying with the rules of origin and following the prescribed procedures for obtaining CoOs, businesses can take advantage of the trade facilitation measures provided by the India-UAE CEPA to expand their market access and enhance their competitiveness in bilateral trade.