India-Oman CEPA Registration - FTA Export Benefits & Process
The India-Oman Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) represents an important step in India's strategy to expand trade ties in the Gulf and Middle East region. The India–Oman Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) entered into force on 1 June 2026, with Electronic Certificate of Origin (eCoO) filing mandated through the DGFT Trade Connect ePlatform https://www.trade.gov.in/pages/home from the same date under Trade Notice No. 06/2026-27. Oman's role as an important logistics hub and re-exporting country makes it even more important for Indian exporters, manufacturing units, and service providers who aim to enter the Middle Eastern market. With a GDP of approximately USD 100 billion (World Bank, 2024), Oman serves as a strategic re-export gateway into the broader Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) corridor a combined market of 54 million consumers and USD 1.9 trillion in GDP (GCC Secretariat, 2024). For Indian exporters, preferential access to Oman therefore opens a commercially significant pathway into one of the world's most concentrated high-income consumer markets.
The CEPA provides a predictable, transparent, and stable basis for a bilateral trading relationship through the reduction or elimination of customs duties on listed goods, streamlining customs procedures, improving regulatory cooperation, and facilitating economic partnership. The CEPA, in addition, provides cooperation in services, MSME development, and trade facilitation.
To use the CEPA fully, exporters must satisfy the tariff schedule, rules of origin, product-specific rules and certificate of origin requirements accurately of the requirements associated with the tariff schedule, rules of origin, product-specific rules, and certificate of origin. Otherwise, there can be clearance delays, disqualification for beneficial treatment, and even post-clearance problems.
Professional Utilities assists firms in understanding and preparing for the India–Oman CEPA ensuring that they leverage the agreement successfully and to the best of their advantage.
Process for India–Oman CEPA Certificate of Origin
India–Oman CEPA registration involves obtaining the necessary documentation and certifications to claim preferential tariff benefits under the agreement. Here is a step-by-step guide:
- Step 1: Account ID Creation with Organisation-Based DSC - Create an account on the DGFT Trade Connect ePlatform using an Organisation-based Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) with embedded IEC. Existing DGFT credentials are usable without fresh registration.
- Step 2: Online Application for Certificate of Origin - Log in to the portal and initiate an online application by selecting "India Oman CEPA (Agency Issued)" from the certificate type dropdown. This dropdown selection is mandatory — selecting the wrong agreement type will result in rejection of the application.
- Step 3: Complete Form with Appropriate Details - Fill in the application form accurately with product details including HS Code, FOB value, consignee information, and shipment details. For TRQ-regulated products — dates, marble, chemicals, polymers, and metals — ensure the HS code corresponds to the correct TRQ modality (TEI, TR, or TEP) before submission.
- Step 4: Upload the Necessary Documents - Attach all mandatory documents including Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Bill of Lading, Purchase Bill with raw material origin details, Manufacturer's Declaration on company letterhead confirming Indian origin and satisfaction of the applicable Rule of Origin, GSTIN details, and AD Code Registration Certificate. For TRQ categories, additionally upload the TRQ Utilisation Certificate or Quota Allocation Reference from DGFT. For marble exports, upload the Minimum Import Price (MIP) Declaration.
- Step 5: Issuance of Certificate - Upon successful verification of the application and payment of the applicable fee, the relevant authorised issuing agency EIC, DGFT, or concerned SEZ or commodity board — issues the India–Oman CEPA Electronic Certificate of Origin (eCoO) valid for 12 months from the date of issuance. The eCoO carries both the digital signature of the issuing agency and a QR code for verification by Oman customs authorities.
Documents Required for India–Oman CEPA
All documents must be submitted in the English language. Listed below are the documents required for obtaining a Certificate of Origin under the India–Oman Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA)
- Import Export Code (IEC)
- GSTIN Details
- Commercial Invoice
- Packing List
- RCMC Certificate
- Bill of Lading / Airway Bill
- Manufacturer's Declaration on Company Letterhead
- Purchase Bill with Raw Material Origin Details
- HS Code Classification of the Exported Product
- AD Code Registration Certificate
Fees for India–Oman CEPA FTA Registration
The total cost of registering the India–Oman CEPA Certificate of Origin, is ₹3,860. Fee for trade agreement registration through Professional Utilities is as follows:
| Types of Fees | Fees |
|---|---|
| One Time Portal Registration Fee | ₹1,500/- |
| Professional Fee | ₹2,000/- |
| GST @ 18% on Professional Fees | ₹360/- |
| Total Fees | ₹3,860/- (All Inclusive) |
Note:TRQ Authorisation is valid for up to 12 months or the end of the relevant financial year, whichever is earlier. The electronic Certificate of Origin (eCoO) is issued per shipment for the specific invoice and is valid for customs clearance of that shipment.
What is the India–Oman Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement?
The India–Oman Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) is a bilateral trade and economic cooperation agreement between India and Oman. This Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement provides a structured framework governing India–Oman trade as far as laws, tariff schedules, and operational procedures are concerned. The India–Oman CEPA tariff concessions are governed by Ministry of Finance Customs Notification No. 20/2026 -Customs dated 31 May 2026, as amended from time to time. Importers should ensure compliance with this notification alongside the DGFT procedure. Omani customs authorities or any party can verify the authenticity of the eCoO through the DGFT Trade Connect ePlatform: Certificate of Origin, Verify Certificate and by entering the CoO number. This QR code-based verification reduces documentation fraud and speeds customs clearance at Omani ports.
The agreement encompasses several sectors, including trade in goods, trade in services, cooperation in MSMEs, customs matters, and regulatory cooperation. Under the CEPA, the structured commitments made by both economies cover tariff concessions, market access, trade facilitation, and disciplines on compliance. The agreement also establishes rules and procedures for product eligibility, the administration of preferences, and the transparency of implementation. Through these well-structured obligations and mechanisms, the India–Oman CEPA defines how trade between the two countries operates.
Benefits of India–Oman CEPA for Indian and Omani Businesses
The CEPA delivers multiple advantages across sectors:
- Preferential or lower customs duties on eligible goods
- Increased competitiveness for Indian exports in the Omani market
- Smoother customs processing and shorter waiting times
- Increased certainty regarding Rules of Origin and documentation requirements
- Improved opportunities for MSMEs and service providers
- Institutional frameworks for long-term economic cooperation
Key Products Covered Under India-Oman CEPA Tariff Concessions
For products subject to TRQ-based concessions, DGFT has notified the complete allocation procedure through Public Notice No. 20/2026-27 dated 13 July 2026, amending Appendix 2A of the Handbook of Procedures (HBP) 2023:
- How to Apply - Eligible importers must submit applications online by navigating through the DGFT website and navigating to the Import Management System, Tariff Rate Quota (TRQ) section. Applications must be accompanied by the prescribed fee. TRQ authorisations are issued electronically by DGFT and transmitted directly to the Indian Customs Electronic Data Interchange System (ICES), enabling electronic debit of the authorised quantity before imports are cleared.
- TRQ Year and Application Deadline - The TRQ year under India–Oman CEPA follows the Indian financial year 1 April to 31 March. For FY 2027–28 onwards, applications must be submitted on or before 28 February of the preceding financial year. For FY 2026–27, DGFT will issue a separate public notice announcing the application window and the pro-rata quota available for the remaining period of the financial year.
- TRQ Authorisation Validity - A TRQ authorisation is valid for a maximum of 12 months or until the end of the relevant financial year, whichever is earlier. Imports under an approved TRQ authorisation can only be cleared by Indian Customs during this validity period. Importers should plan shipment schedules and customs clearance accordingly to ensure the quota remains valid at the time of import.
Key Products and TRQ Concessions Under India-Oman CEPA
India-Oman Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) covers a broad range of products across sectors including agriculture, chemicals, polymers, plastics, marble, metals and industrial raw materials.
- Agricultural - : Fresh and Other Dates (HS 08041010/08041090) up to 2,000 tonnes, immediate tariff elimination
- Marble - : Marble blocks, slabs, tiles phased reduction subject to Minimum Import Price
- Chemicals - : Ethylene Glycol, Linear Alkylbenzenes phased reduction 3-7 years
- Plastics/Polymers - : LLDPE, LDPE, Polypropylene, ABS, PVC Resin, PET Flakes, Polyurethanes phased reduction with annual quota
- Metals - : Copper weld wire, Aluminium ingots/billets/wire phased elimination
Note: Under DGFT Public Notice No. 20/2026-27, three TRQ modalities apply: TEI (Tariff Elimination Immediate) applicable to dates; TR (Tariff Reduction) gradual reduction over 3 to 7 years for chemicals, polymers, and plastics; TEP (Tariff Elimination Phased) for metals such as aluminium and copper products
Rules of Origin under India–Oman CEPA
To qualify for preferential tariff treatment under the India–Oman CEPA, exported goods must satisfy the applicable Rules of Origin (ROO).
- Wholly Obtained Products Goods that are entirely grown, harvested, extracted, or manufactured in India using only Indian materials qualify directly as originating goods without any further conditions. This category typically covers natural resource products, agricultural commodities, and goods produced entirely within India's territory.
- Sufficient Transformation For goods manufactured using imported inputs, the product must undergo sufficient processing or transformation in India. This is assessed either through a change in tariff classification (CTH: Change in Tariff Heading, or CTSH :Change in Tariff Subheading) or through meeting a minimum value addition threshold, as specified in the Product-Specific Rules (PSR) applicable to the product's HS code under the India–Oman CEPA.
- Bilateral Cumulation Under the bilateral cumulation provision, materials originating in either India or Oman may be considered when calculating the origin of the final product. This means that Omani-origin inputs used in Indian manufacturing can be treated as Indian-origin for the purpose of meeting the ROO threshold a provision particularly relevant for Indian manufacturers sourcing raw materials or components from Oman.
- Direct Consignment Goods must be consigned directly from India to Oman without undergoing any processing in a third country that would alter their essential character. Transit through a third country is permissible only for logistical reasons such as transshipment or temporary storage provided the goods remain under customs control and do not enter the commerce of the transit country.
India-Oman CEPA : Product Specific Rules and Duty Benefits
Product specific rules (PSRs) spell out HS-code-wise conditions that goods have to meet if they are to qualify under the CEPA. These may include:
- Change in tariff classification (CTH / CTSH)
- Minimum value addition thresholds
- Specific processing requirements
PSRs also vary by product category, making product-level analysis essential before exports are undertaken. One of the most common reasons for loss of FTA benefits is misinterpretation of the PSRs.
Certificate of Origin (CoO) Requirements under India-Oman CEPA
In order to take advantage of the preferential tariff, exporters must obtain a valid Certificate of Origin (CoO) issued by the authorized issuing authority.
- Accurate declaration of origin criteria
- Correct HS code and product description
- Complying with the provisions on PSR and Rules of Origin
- Adherence to prescribed formats and validity periods
- Proper documentation in support of all third-party billings, where applicable
A partially filled out or incorrect Certificate of Origin results in delay, rejection, or post-import penalties.
Note: DGFT helpdesk for eCoO queries — coo-dgft@gov.in (Trade Notice 06/2026-27)
Common Mistakes When Claiming India–Oman CEPA Benefits
Exporters and importers often face rejections while claiming India-Oman CEPA benefits due to listed below reasons:
- HS Code Mismatch: Different Harmonized System (HS) codes on the certificate of origin, commercial invoice or bill of entry lead in rejection of preferential claim
- Failing the Rules of Origin (RoO) Thresholds: Product must meet specific value-addition and transformation rules to be considered either as Indian or Oman
- Using invalid or Expired Certificate of Origin: Use of invalid or expired CoO may lead to rejection of free trade benefits
- Assuming that Excluded Products are Eligible: Claiming CEPA benefits for sensitive goods are excluded from zero-duty access
Regulatory and Compliance Requirements under India-Oman CEPA
Besides tariffs, the agreement carries other significant disciplines in the trade agreement are:
- Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) measures relating to agricultural products and foods aimed at protecting health and safety
- Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) regarding standards, testing, and conformity assessment
- Conditions for halal compliance, especially in food items, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and personal care products
For exporters, regulatory compliance matters as much as tariff eligibility
Sector Specific Opportunities under the India-Oman CEPA
There are Indian sectors that have great potential under the agreement, subject to fulfilment of the required conditions:
- Pharmaceuticals & Medical Products: Through cooperation on regulations and streamlining of approvals
- Halal-sensitive goods: Food items, cosmetics, wellness items in compliance with GCC norms
- Manufacturing and engineering products: Taking advantage of tariff concessions and the country’s position as a regional center
- Agricultural and processed foodstuffs: Compliance with SPS and origin measures
These are rendered dependent on product type, compliance with PSR, and data correctness.
Service Trade, MSME Benefits, and Professional Opportunities
The CEPA also encourages cooperation in trade in services and MSME participation in such trade in various ways, including:
- Enhanced governmental openness for service providers
- Opportunities for commercial presence and professional activity
- Cooperation, capacity building, and support related to MSMEs
- Collaboration between healthcare and traditional medicine
These areas open long-term possibilities well beyond trade in physical products, especially to service suppliers from India.
How to Avail Benefits under the India-Oman CEPA
To make use of the CEPA benefits, companies must:
- Validate product or service eligibility for the agreement
- Observe rules of origin and product-specific rules
- Secure a valid Certificate of Origin
- Ensure proper HS classification and customs record-keeping
- Arrange logistics elements according to the requirements of direct consignments
- Track official notifications and implementation notices
Expert advice is particularly valuable for MSMEs and new exporters.
How We Assist Businesses with India-Oman CEPA Compliance
Professional Utilities supports businesses to transpose the provisions of the CEPA into genuine commercial benefits. The key offerings of CEPA include:
- CEPA eligibility and readiness assessment
- HS classification and PSR mapping
- Rules of Origin and value addition analysis
- Certificate of Origin documentation support
- SPS, TBT, and Halal compliance advisory
- End-to-end trade and customs advisory
- TRQ authorisation application support
- DGFT & EIC Coordination
Apply for India–Oman CEPA Registration Today
The India-Oman CEPA provides pragmatic opportunities in goods, services, and engagement with MSMEs. Although India can benefit from tariff lines through increased competitiveness, this will not result in actual gains unless there is proper adherence to rules of origin, product-specific rules, and documentation. Exporters should prepare in advance to avoid clearance delays and claim rejections . Professional Utilities with expertise in trade compliance, FTA advisories, and regulatory documentation, facilitates businesses to gain maximum benefits from the India-Oman CEPA. Consult experts from Professional Utilities to ensure that your business is ready and able to take advantage of the India-Oman CEPA, and you can also explore IUCEPA Certificate Registration to unlock additional benefits under India’s trade agreements with complete expert support.
FAQ’s On India–Oman Free Trade Agreement
What is the India–Oman CEPA?
It is a free trade agreement between India and Oman with the objective of promoting trade in goods and services and economic cooperation between the two countries.
Who can benefit from the India–Oman CEPA?
Indian exporters, product manufacturers, service providers, and MSMEs involved in eligible trade activities in Oman can reap benefits from this arrangement.
Does CEPA provide full duty exemption on all products?
Only goods included in the list of tariff schedules as agreed and the phase-out terms will be entitled to tariff benefits.
Is a Certificate of Origin mandatory to claim CEPA benefits?
Yes, a valid certificate of origin from the authorized issuing body is necessary if one wants to enjoy the preferential treatment.
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- Written by: Anuja Sahi
- Fact-checked: Sahil Singh
- Updated on: August 25, 2026
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