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SAFTA Certificate of Origin in India for Exporters

Q: What is the difference between SAFTA and SAPTA?

SAPTA (South Asian Preferential Trade Arrangement) was an earlier agreement aimed at providing preferential tariffs on a limited number of products. SAFTA (South Asian Free Trade Area) superseded SAPTA and is a more comprehensive agreement aiming for much broader tariff liberalization across a wider range of products among member states. SAFTA is a more advanced and encompassing trade agreement.

Q: Which government agencies in India issue the SAFTA certificate?

In India, the SAFTA Certificate of Origin is issued by various authorized agencies under the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), primarily through its online e-platform. These typically include the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) and various Export Promotion Councils (EPCs) that are authorized to issue CoOs for specific product categories.

Q: Can I apply for a SAFTA certificate after my goods have been shipped?

While it's always recommended to apply for the SAFTA certificate before shipment, in certain justified circumstances and with proper reasons, a "retrospective" application for a SAFTA certificate might be possible. However, this is at the discretion of the issuing authority and often requires additional documentation and justification. It's best to confirm with the specific issuing agency.

Q: How can I verify a SAFTA certificate online?

The DGFT e-platform for Certificates of Origin usually provides a facility for importers or customs authorities to verify the authenticity of an electronically issued SAFTA certificate using a unique reference number or QR code printed on the certificate.

Q: What should I do if my Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) is not working on the portal?

If your DSC is not working, first ensure that the correct DSC software (e.g., emSigner) is installed and running on your system. Check if your DSC is valid and not expired. Verify that the correct USB token is inserted and recognized. If issues persist, contact your DSC provider for technical support or the DGFT helpdesk.

Q: What are the "Rules of Origin" in the context of SAFTA?

The "Rules of Origin" are specific criteria that determine a product's national source. For SAFTA, these rules specify the minimum percentage of local content or the extent of processing a product must undergo within a SAFTA member country to qualify for preferential tariffs. They prevent goods from non-SAFTA countries from simply transiting through a SAFTA member to avail benefits.

Q: How long is a SAFTA Certificate of Origin valid?

A SAFTA Certificate of Origin is typically valid for twelve months from the date of its issuance, provided that the goods are imported into the territory of the importing member state within that period. However, it is usually tied to a specific consignment and bill of lading/airway bill.

Q: Are all products eligible for SAFTA benefits?

No, not all products are eligible. Each SAFTA member country maintains a "Sensitive List" or "Negative List" of products that are excluded from immediate tariff concessions. These products are often sensitive for domestic industries, or are strategically important, or are significant revenue generators for the government.

Q: What is the role of the Import Export Code (IEC) in SAFTA registration?

The Import Export Code (IEC) is a fundamental prerequisite. It is a mandatory 10-digit code issued by the DGFT to conduct import and export activities in India. Your IEC is used for authentication and identification throughout the SAFTA CoO application process on the DGFT portal.

Apply for your SAFTA Certificate of Origin with ease. RegisterKaro ensures fast filing, correct documentation, and complete support for seamless cross-border trade under SAFTA.

Assistance with DGFT Application & Documentation

Support for Preparing Commercial Invoice with Origin Declaration

Direct Coordination with DGFT & Customs Officials

Complete Help with Certificate of Origin (CoO) Filing

Guidance on Product Eligibility & SAFTA Rules of Origin

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do You Need a New Certificate for Every Invoice?

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Yes, generally, a separate SAFTA Certificate of Origin is required for each shipment or commercial invoice for which preferential tariff treatment is sought. Each certificate is linked to a specific consignment and its details.

What is the difference between SAFTA and SAPTA?

Which government agencies in India issue the SAFTA certificate?

Can I apply for a SAFTA certificate after my goods have been shipped?

How can I verify a SAFTA certificate online?

What should I do if my Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) is not working on the portal?

What are the "Rules of Origin" in the context of SAFTA?

How long is a SAFTA Certificate of Origin valid?

Are all products eligible for SAFTA benefits?

What is the role of the Import Export Code (IEC) in SAFTA registration?

Can small businesses also apply for SAFTA benefits?

What happens if the information on my SAFTA certificate doesn't match the shipping documents?

Is the SAFTA Certificate of Origin issued physically or electronically?

What kind of records should I maintain after obtaining a SAFTA certificate?

Are there any penalties for misrepresenting information on a SAFTA certificate application?

Why Choose RegisterKaro for the SAFTA Certificate Service?

Choosing the right partner for your SAFTA Certificate of Origin application can streamline the process and prevent common hurdles.

Avoid Common Mistakes and Rejections: Our expertise helps you navigate the complexities of SAFTA Certificate applications, significantly reducing the likelihood of errors that lead to rejections and delays.
Save Time and Effort with Our Expert Handling: Our experienced team manages the entire application process on your behalf, allowing you to focus on your core business operations while we handle the intricacies of obtaining your SAFTA Certificate efficiently.
Get End-to-End Support from Documentation to Approval: From assisting with the accurate preparation of all required documents to liaising with authorities for final approval, we provide comprehensive, seamless support throughout your SAFTA Certificate journey.
Our Simple, Transparent Pricing: We offer clear and straightforward pricing for SAFTA Certificate services, ensuring you understand all costs upfront without any hidden fees.

Why Choose RegisterKaro for the SAFTA Certificate Service?

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