APTA Certificate Registration - Process,Fees & Documents

Here’s a list of important documents typically required for APTA (Asia-Pacific Trade Agreement) registration to ensure smooth processing:

Charges for APTA Certificate Registration are as follows:

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Asia-Pacific Trade Agreement (APTA) formerly known as the Bangkok Agreement, was first signed in 1975 and is the oldest preferential trade agreement in the Asia-Pacific region. This agreement includes countries like Bangladesh, China, India, Laos, Mongolia, South Korea, and Sri Lanka. The People's Republic of China acceded to APTA in 2001, and Mongolia joined on 29 September 2020 as the seventh and most recent participating state.

The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) serves as the Secretariat. It helps these countries trade with each other by reducing taxes on selected products. If exporters have this certificate, it means their products meet APTA rules and can get lower taxes when exported to other APTA countries. The Agreement is governed by three core principles: Overall reciprocity and mutuality of advantages, Transparency, National Treatment and Most Favoured Nation (MFN) Treatment and Special recognition of the needs of least developed participating countries. In India, the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) administers tariff preferences under APTA.

Products must meet the following origin criteria to qualify for preferential tariff treatment under the Asia-Pacific Trade Agreement (APTA):

• Wholly Obtained Products: Products such as minerals extracted from soil or seabed, agricultural products wholly harvested in India, products obtained from hunting & fishing and goods produced exclusively using the above products are considered wholly obtained and qualify directly.
• Substantially Transformed Products: For goods manufactured using imported units, the value of non-originating materials, parts or produce must not exceed 55% of the FOB value of the exported product, and the final manufacturing process must be carried out in India.
• Cumulative Origin: Where inputs originating from other APTA participating countries are used in production, the aggregate APTA-originating content must constitute not less than 60% of the FOB value of the finished product.

APTA (Asian Pacific Trade Agreement) registration provides businesses with various benefits that can enhance their trade prospects within the member countries. Some of the key benefits include:

Asia-Pacific Trade Agreement (APTA) Preferential Certificate of Origin (CoO) is valid for 12 months from the date of issuance. A new CoO must be generated for every new consignment, and the certificate cannot be renewed.

The issuance timeline for the APTA Certificate of Origin is within 3 working days from the date of export. Eligible exporters can obtain Asia-Pacific Trade Agreement CoO through the Trade Connect ePlatform.

There is no specific renewal process for APTA certificate and a fresh electronic Certificate of Origin (e-CoO) is generated for each export consignment which is non-renewable for future shipments.

Businesses are eligible to apply for an Asia-Pacific Trade Agreement (APTA) Certificate of Origin if they satisfy the following conditions:

• A valid Importer Exporter Code (IEC) issued by DGFT
• Gooda are exported from India only to an APTA participating country and are eligible for preferential tariff treatment
• Products qualify as originating goods by complying with the applicable APTA Rules of Origin, including the wholly obtained or substantial transformation criteria, where applicable.
• The goods are directly consigned to the importing APTA member country in accordance with the agreement's Rules of Origin.
• Application for the Preferential Certificate of Origin is submitted through the DGFT Trade Connect ePlatform and verified by the designated issuing authority.

In India, the authorized agencies responsible for issuing certificates of origin are clearly listed in Appendix 2B of Handbook of Procedures (HBP) under Foreign Trade Policy 2023 . These are:

The four methods of supplying trade in services are:

• Cross-border supply - This occurs when a service is provided from one country to another without the supplier or consumer moving. For instance, an architect sends designs electronically, a lecturer shares teaching materials abroad, or a doctor in France advises a patient in India online. This is similar to goods being traded across borders.
• Consumption abroad - This refers to a case where a consumer travels to another country to utilize a service. For instance, a tourist may stay in a hotel or eat at a restaurant abroad, or a ship goes for maintenance in another country.
• Commercial presence - This is where a service provider establishes a business in another country. For instance, a bank opens a branch in a foreign country to provide its services there.
• Natural persons - It includes the temporary movement of a person to another country to provide some form of service. Examples include doctors, engineers, consultants, and accountants working in another country for a short period. But in no way does it account for permanent residency or citizenship.

Check out other Free Trade Agreements India participates in to enhance trade opportunities and reduce customs duties.

The APTA Certificate of Origin issued through the DGFT serves as proof that exported goods meet the prescribed Rules of Origin under the Asia-Pacific Trade Agreement (APTA). It enables Indian exporters to claim preferential tariff benefits, facilitates smoother customs clearance in member countries, and strengthens India's regional trade relations. To obtain the certificate, exporters must submit the required origin and export-related documents in accordance with the applicable guidelines. Professional Utilities provides complete assistance with APTA Certificate Registration, ensuring accurate documentation, timely application filing, and hassle-free compliance so businesses can confidently expand their exports to APTA member countries.