What is the IJCEPA Certificate?
The India-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IJCEPA) is a trade agreement between India and Japan that aims to improve economic ties by reducing or eliminating tariffs on traded goods.
An IJCEPA Certificate of Origin (CoO) is a document that certifies that the goods being exported from India to Japan originate in India. This certificate allows importers in Japan to claim preferential tariff treatment (reduced or zero customs duty) under the agreement.
Benefits of IJCEPA Certificate
- Tariff Reduction: Significant reduction or elimination of customs duties on eligible products exported to Japan.
- Competitive Advantage: Makes Indian products more price-competitive in the Japanese market compared to non-preferential suppliers.
- Market Access: Facilitates easier entry into the Japanese market for a wide range of goods, including textiles, pharmaceuticals, and agricultural products.
- Trade Facilitation: Streamlines customs procedures and reduces clearance time.
Eligibility Criteria
To obtain an IJCEPA Certificate of Origin, the goods must meet the "Rules of Origin" criteria defined in the agreement:
- Wholly Obtained: Goods must be wholly obtained or produced entirely in India (e.g., agricultural crops, minerals).
- Substantial Transformation: If non-originating materials are used, the final product must undergo sufficient processing in India, typically resulting in a change in tariff classification (HS Code) or meeting a specific value-added requirement.
Documents Required
The following documents are typically required to apply for an IJCEPA Certificate:
- Commercial Invoice: Detailed invoice of the shipment.
- Packing List: Details of the packaging and contents.
- Bill of Lading / Airway Bill: Proof of shipment.
- Cost Breakup: A declaration showing the cost of raw materials and value addition to prove origin criteria.
- IEC Code: Import Export Code of the exporter.
- Digital Signature Certificate (DSC): For online submission on the DGFT portal.
Application Process
- Registration: Register on the DGFT (Directorate General of Foreign Trade) Common Digital Platform.
- Application Filing: Fill out the application form for the Preferential Certificate of Origin (CoO) under IJCEPA.
- Document Upload: Upload the necessary supporting documents (Invoice, Packing List, etc.).
- Fee Payment: Pay the requisite government fee online.
- Verification: The designated agency (e.g., Export Inspection Council) verifies the application and documents.
- Issuance: Upon approval, the Certificate of Origin is issued digitally.
