IJCEPA Certificate for Exporters

The full form of the IJCEPA Certificate is India-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement Certificate, a Preferential Certificate of Origin (CoO) issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT). It certifies that the exported goods are genuinely produced or manufactured in India, following all the rules agreed upon under the trade deal with Japan.

To prove the goods' authenticity, exporters submit key documents to the DGFT. This process ensures compliance with the trade agreement and builds trust between trading partners.

Without this certificate, Japanese customs may impose full duties, increasing costs for your buyer. The IJCEPA Certificate acts as official proof that your goods qualify for preferential treatment, lowering trade barriers and fostering economic growth between India and Japan.

Below are the benefits of having an IJCEPA Certificate, as per the Economic Partnership Agreement between India and Japan:

1. Transparency: Both India and Japan must publish or share their laws, rules, procedures, and important decisions related to the IJCEPA. They also need to provide the names and contact details of the authorities responsible for handling these rules and regulations.
2. Steps to prevent corruption: India and Japan must take proper steps, according to their laws, to stop and control corruption involving their government officials in matters covered under IJCEPA.
3. Protecting the environment: Both countries agree on the need to protect the environment and support sustainable development. They respect each other’s right to create their environmental laws and goals. They also aim to keep improving their rules to ensure better environmental protection.
4. Confidentiality: India and Japan must, as per their laws, keep any confidential information shared under this agreement private and secure.
5. Other benefits of having an IJCEPA Certificate include:

• Lower import taxes and fewer trade restrictions.
• Fair business practices between both countries.
• Equal advantages for both India and Japan.
• Smooth joint management of the agreement.
• An efficient way to solve disputes.
• More benefits for trade between the two nations.
• A structure to support regional cooperation.
• Support for international business deals between India and Japan.

To qualify for an IJCEPA Certificate, your goods must meet one of two main criteria as defined by the agreement's Rules of Origin:

1. Goods completely obtained or produced in either India or Japan

• Live animals are born and raised in India or Japan.
• Animals caught by hunting, fishing, trapping, or collecting in India or Japan.
• Products taken from live animals in India or Japan.
• Plants and plant-based items like fruits, vegetables, flowers, seaweed, fungi, and live plants that are picked or harvested in India or Japan.
• Minerals and other natural resources are taken from the ground in India or Japan.
• Goods obtained through sea fishing or other methods by ships of either country outside their coastal waters.
• Products made on factory ships belonging to either country using goods from the point above (sea fishing).
• Goods taken from the seabed or beneath the seabed outside the coastal areas of both countries, where India or Japan has legal rights under the UN law of the sea.
• Items collected in either country that can no longer be used for their original purpose and are suitable only for disposal or recovery of parts or materials.
• Scrap or waste from manufacturing, processing, or usage in India or Japan that is only fit for disposal or recycling.
• Raw materials or parts recovered in India or Japan from used goods that can no longer function or be fixed.
• Goods made in India or Japan, only using the above-mentioned eligible items.

2. Goods not fully obtained or produced in India or Japan, but still eligible if they meet these rules

• The goods must have a minimum of 35% value added from either India or Japan.
• All foreign (non-originating) materials used in making the goods must undergo a change in tariff classification at the 6-digit level of the Harmonised System (HS code) in either country.

To apply for an IJCEPA Certificate of Origin, exporters need to submit certain important documents to the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT).

• Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) of the Organization: The Digital Signature Certificate is required to digitally sign your online application.
• DGFT Login ID: The DGFT Portal Login Credentials are needed to log in to the DGFT portal and access certificate services.
• Updated Import Export Code (IEC): An updated Import Export Code is mandatory for any exporter to apply for the certificate.
• DSC Software: The DSC Software must be installed to use the digital signature on the DGFT portal.
• Mobile Number & Email ID: The Mobile Number and Email ID are used for official communication and updates from DGFT.
• Commercial Invoice: A Commercial Invoice provides details about the goods being exported, like price and quantity.
• Purchase Bill or Packing List: Required to show quantity and source of inputs, depending on whether the exporter is a manufacturer or merchant. A Purchase Bill is needed only if buying from a third party.
• Manufacturer Exporter Declaration (on letterhead): A Manufacturer Exporter Declaration on the company’s letterhead confirms who made the goods.
• Product Description: A Product Description explains what the product is, including its features and specifications.
• Purchase Order from Importer (Optional): The Purchase Order from Importer confirms that the buyer has ordered the product from Japan.

Note: For specific goods like textiles, additional documentation may be needed. For example, when seeking an IJCEPA certificate of origin for cotton products, you must provide clear proof of the cotton's origin.

The IJCEPA Certificate Registration is done under the India-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement. It allows exporters to get a Certificate of Origin, which helps in getting customs benefits when exporting to Japan.

• Create Account with DSC: First, the exporter needs to create an account on the DGFT portal (dgft.gov.in/CP/) using a Digital Signature Certificate, specifically a Class III DSC. The DSC is important to ensure all submissions are secure and officially signed.
• Apply Online for Certificate: Once the account is created, log in to the DGFT portal and select the CoO option. Choose IJCEPA as the agreement type and start a new application.
• Fill in the Application Form: In the application form, enter all required details such as exporter information, product details, HS code, destination country, invoice number, etc. Make sure the information is accurate to avoid rejection.
• Upload Required Documents: Upload scanned copies of all important documents like the commercial invoice, purchase bill, manufacturer declaration, and product description. These documents are used to verify the origin of goods.
• Get the Certificate Issued: After submission, the DGFT authority will review the application. If all documents are correct, the IJCEPA Certificate of Origin will be approved and issued online. Exporters can download and print it for use during shipment.

How to Track the Status of the IJCEPA Certificate?

You can easily check the progress of your application online through the DGFT portal.

1. Visit the DGFT portal (dgft.gov.in).
2. Log in using your IEC number and password.
3. Go to the ‘Track Application Status’ section.
4. Enter your application reference number to check the current status.

How to Download the IJCEPA Certificate?

Once approved, the certificate can be downloaded directly from your DGFT account.

1. After approval, log in to the DGFT portal.
2. Navigate to the ‘Issued Certificates’ section.
3. Select your IJCEPA Certificate from the list.
4. Click ‘Download’ to get a PDF copy for your export records.

Below is the fee structure for getting the IJCEPA Registration in India:

The IJCEPA Certificate is valid for 12 months from the date it is issued. So, it must be renewed every year before it expires to keep it active and valid for exports.

Renewal Process of the Certificate

To continue enjoying the benefits under IJCEPA, the certificate must be renewed every year before it expires. The renewal process is simple and requires updated documents and a timely submission.

1. Check the expiry date on your current IJCEPA Certificate.
2. Prepare updated documents showing product details, origin, and export information.
3. Submit a renewal request to the issuing authority (usually the Export Inspection Agency or other authorised body).
4. Pay the required fees, if applicable.
5. Once approved, the new certificate is issued for the next 12 months.

In India, the DGFT is the main authority responsible for issuing Certificates of Origin under the IJCEPA agreement.

Along with DGFT, the government has also authorized a few Export Promotion Councils (EPCs) and Chambers of Commerce to issue these certificates.

Some of the authorized agencies include:

• Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT): The main government body for issuing and approving IJCEPA Certificates of Origin.
• Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO): A major export body that helps exporters apply for Certificates of Origin.
• Export Promotion Councils (EPCs): Industry-specific councils such as the Engineering Export Promotion Council (EEPC) and Pharmaceutical Export Promotion Council (Pharmexcil) also issue CoO under IJCEPA.
• Chambers of Commerce: Recognized chambers like ASSOCHAM, PHDCCI, FICCI, and CII are also allowed to issue Certificates of Origin.

These agencies are authorized by the government and follow strict guidelines to make sure that the goods meet all eligibility rules under the IJCEPA trade agreement.

India has signed several Free Trade and Preferential Trade Agreements with different countries and regions to promote international trade. These agreements offer reduced tariffs, easier market access, and trade benefits for exporters and importers.

• ICPTA – India-Chile Preferential Trade Agreement: Offers reduced tariffs for goods traded between India and Chile.
• SAFTA – South Asian Free Trade Agreement: Promotes free trade among South Asian countries like India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh.
• SAPTA – SAARC Preferential Trade Agreement: Encourages trade among SAARC nations with special tariff discounts.
• IKCEPA – India-Korea Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement: Helps boost trade and investment between India and South Korea.
• AIFTA – ASEAN-India Free Trade Agreement: Reduces import duties for goods traded between India and ASEAN countries.
• ISFTA – India-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement: Provides duty-free access for many goods traded between India and Sri Lanka.
• APTA – Asia-Pacific Trade Agreement: Includes trade benefits among countries in the Asia-Pacific region.
• GSTP – Global System of Trade Preferences: A trade agreement among developing countries for mutual tariff benefits.
• IMCECA – India-Malaysia Economic Cooperation Agreement:  Offers trade and investment advantages between India and Malaysia.
• ISCECA – India-Singapore Economic Cooperation Agreement: Supports easier trade and services between India and Singapore.
• India-UAE CEPA – Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement: Offers lower tariffs and easier access to the UAE market, benefiting textile, jewelry, and auto part exporters from Tamil Nadu.
• India-Australia ECTA – Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement: Reduces import duties and opens new markets in Australia for Indian goods, including machinery, textiles, and leather products.