Updated on January 13, 2026 02:52:24 PM
In order to foster economic integration and improve trade and investment prospects between the two regions, India and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) signed the India-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement (AIFTA). An important turning point in India's Look East Policy was reached when the agreement was signed in August 2009 and went into force on January 1, 2010.
India and ASEAN members agreed to progressively lower or remove tariffs on a wide range of goods under the AIFTA, allowing companies to access each other's markets at preferential duty rates. In order to ensure fair trade practices and transparency, the agreement also contains provisions for Rules of Origin, Product Negative Lists, and Dispute Settlement Mechanisms. The agreement has been extended to cover investment cooperation and trade in services in addition to trade in goods, further solidifying the two countries' economic ties.
Indian exporters in industries like agriculture, textiles, pharmaceuticals, automotive components, engineering goods, and IT services now have a lot of opportunities thanks to the AIFTA. Similar to this, ASEAN countries now have improved access to the Indian market, which promotes economic cooperation and growth on both sides.
The India-ASEAN FTA is one of the most important economic agreements for the region since it allows companies to lower costs, increase their competitiveness, and broaden their global reach.
AIFTA Certificate [Sample]
The ASEAN-India Free Trade Agreement (AIFTA) enables the import and export of certain goods between India and ASEAN countries at preferential rates of duty. To claim these preferential rates, exporters must obtain a Certificate of Origin (COO) that verifies that their goods meet the origin criteria specified in the agreement.
There are two types of schemes associated with the AIFTA COO: preferential and non-preferential schemes.
Under the preferential scheme, eligible goods exported to ASEAN countries attract lower or zero tariff rates. The AIFTA COO is required to claim these preferential rates.
On the other hand, the non-preferential scheme applies to goods traded between India and ASEAN countries that are not covered under the preferential scheme. The non-preferential scheme is mainly used for statistical purposes and to enforce trade regulations. In such cases, a COO is also required, but it is not needed to claim preferential tariff rates.
AIFTA Registration in India offers significant trade benefits, including reduced customs duties and seamless access to ASEAN markets.
The ASEAN-India Free Trade Area (AIFTA) is a free trade agreement between India and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The AIFTA was signed in 2009 and entered into force in 2010. The agreement eliminates or reduces customs duties on a wide range of goods traded between India and ASEAN. This has made Indian products more competitive in the ASEAN market, and vice versa. The AIFTA has also led to increased trade and investment between India and ASEAN.
The AIFTA also streamlines customs procedures for both countries' exporters and importers. The agreement expedites the clearance of goods at the border, reducing the time and cost of trade.
The AIFTA includes provisions for the protection of intellectual property rights of the businesses of both countries. This provides a secure environment for innovation and creativity and encourages investment in research and development.
Here’s a complete list of documents you need to submit for India-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement (AIFTA) Registration.
The fee for ASEAN-India free trade agreement are as follows:
| Particulars | Cost of AIFTA Registration |
|---|---|
| Government Fee | ₹736 |
| One time registration fee | ₹500 |
| Application fee | ₹2000 |
| Total cost of registration | INR 3,236/- only |
Note: SAFTA Certificate has to be issued for each invoice & The aforementioned Fees is exclusive of GST.
Learn the complete step-by-step process to obtain your India-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement (AIFTA) Certificate of Origin and export smoothly.
Check out other Free Trade Agreements India participates in to enhance trade opportunities and reduce customs duties.
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 Agreements
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
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The ASEAN-India Free Trade Agreement (AIFTA) has created new opportunities for businesses in both India and ASEAN countries to expand their trade relations. The registration process is relatively simple, and businesses can benefit from duty-free access, simplified customs procedures, and protection of intellectual property rights. Businesses can take advantage of the AIFTA by registering their business under AIFTA certification.
Professional Utilities simplify registrations, licenses, and compliances for your business. With experienced guidance and nationwide support, we help you complete every requirement efficiently and effectively.
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Frequently Asked Questions
An AIFTA Certificate for export to Malaysia is issued under the ASEAN-India Free Trade Agreement, allowing Indian exporters to avail reduced or zero customs duty on eligible goods exported to Malaysia, provided the products meet the prescribed rules of origin.
Businesses and exporters trading with EFTA (European Free Trade Association) member countries need India-EFTA registration to avail preferential tariff benefits and comply with trade regulations. The full procedure, eligibility, and benefits are explained on our India-EFTA registration page.
The DGFT of india issues the Certificate of origin (COO) for AIFTA
it usually takes 5-7 working days to acquired certificate of origin for AIFTA
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