The ISCECA Certificate of Origin, issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) in India, serves as proof that the goods being exported are entirely manufactured or produced in India. Exporters must submit relevant documents to the DGFT to verify the origin of the goods. This certificate is crucial for customs clearance in the importing country, as it ensures that the products are eligible for duty-free status under a free trade agreement. Without a Certificate of Origin, the importing country may impose taxes on the goods during the customs process.
Documents Required for ISCECA Registration
- Organization based Digital Signature Certificate
- DGFT Login ID
- Updated Import Export Code
- Digital Signature Certificate software
- Mobile No. & Email address
- Commercial Invoice
- Purchase Bill that has details of quantity, origin of raw materials, consumables used in product meant for export
- Manufacturer Exporter Declaration on the company’s Letterhead
- Product Description
- Purchase order from importer company
Process for ISCECA Registration:
- Account Creation: Begin by creating an account on the DGFT portal using an Organization-based Digital Signature Certificate (DSC).
- Online Application for Certificate of Origin (CoO): Submit an online application for the ISCECA Certificate of Origin through the DGFT portal.
- Form Completion: Fill out the form with accurate details about the goods and exporting entity.
- Document Submission: Upload all the necessary supporting documents to validate the origin of the goods.
- Certificate Issuance: Once verified, the ISCECA Certificate will be issued by the appropriate authorities.
Benefits of ISCECA Registration:
- Reducing Tariffs & Trade Barriers: Helps lower tariffs and other trade barriers in preferred countries, facilitating smoother trade.
- Encouraging Cross-Border Transactions: Promotes trade between the territories of contracting countries, making international transactions easier.
- Promoting Fair Competition: Ensures a level playing field for businesses in free trade states.
- Equitable Benefits: Guarantees fair distribution of trade benefits among all contracting countries.
- Dispute Resolution: Provides an effective mechanism for joint administration and resolving disputes.
- Regional Cooperation: Enhances regional cooperation and strengthens mutual benefits for trade across nations.
Other Free Trade Agreements
India has strengthened its market access commitments through various Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and Preferential Trade Agreements (PTAs). These agreements provide opportunities for international expansion and market expertise by facilitating certificate of origin issuance for import benefits. The following agreements are notable:
- ICPTA: India-Chile Preferential Trade Agreement
- SAFTA: South Asia Free Trade Agreement
- SAPTA: SAARC Preferential Trade Agreement
- IKCEPA: India-Korea Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement
- IJCEPA: India-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement
- AIFTA: ASEAN-India Free Trade Agreement
- ISFTA: India-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement
- APTA: Asia-Pacific Trade Agreement
- GSP: Generalized System of Preferences
- GSTP: Global System of Trade Preferences
- IMCECA: India-Malaysia Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement
- ISCECA: India-Singapore Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement