India–Oman CEPA Free Trade Agreement | Key Benefits & Scope

The CEPA delivers multiple advantages across sectors:

Under the CEPA, both jurisdictions are required to provide tariff concessions on a list of product lines. This can include the following:

Actual tariff benefits are affected by:

Exporters need a clear understanding of tariff arrangements and phases to price appropriately.

“Rules of origin” are used to determine the origin of a good and its entitlement to treatment as an originating good that is accorded to a preference based upon the reduced rate of duty imposed by CEPA.

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:

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.

In order to take advantage of the preferential tariff, exporters must obtain a valid Certificate of Origin (CoO) issued by the authorized issuing authority.

A partially filled out or incorrect Certificate of Origin results in delay, rejection, or post-import penalties.

The total cost of registering the India–Oman CEPA Certificate of Origin, including professional charges, is ₹3,208. The registration remains valid for up to 12 months from the date of issuance. Exporters may also apply for re-issuance once the validity expires. The fee can be broken down as follows:

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Note: The aforementioned fees are exclusive of GST. The validity of the Certificate of Origin application is up to 12 months from the date of issuance.

Except tariffs, other significant disciplines in the agreement are:

As far as exporters are concerned, government regulation and tariff status are both imperative on equal standing.

There are Indian sectors that have great potential under the agreement, subject to fulfilment of the required conditions:

These are rendered dependent on product type, compliance with PSR, and data correctness.

The CEPA also encourages cooperation in trade in services and MSME participation in such trade in various ways, including:

These areas open long-term possibilities well beyond trade in physical products, especially to service suppliers from India.

To make use of the CEPA benefits, companies must:

Expert advice is particularly valuable for MSMEs and new exporters.

Professional Utilities supports businesses to transpose the provisions of the CEPA into genuine commercial benefits. The key offerings of CEPA include:

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 and businesses must be prepared and make effective use of professional services in order to keep away from any problems. Professional Utilities, who specialize in trade compliance, FTA advisories, and regulatory documentation, are integral in making it possible for businesses to gain maximum benefits from the India-Oman CEPA.

Please contact Professional Utilities today in order to ensure that your business is ready and able to take advantage of the India-Oman CEPA.