Updated on May 06, 2025 02:36:56 PM
The SAFTA Certificate for Sri Lanka is a crucial document that allows Sri Lankan exporters to take full advantage of the trade benefits under the South Asian Free Trade Agreement (SAFTA). Sri Lanka, as an important member of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), gets special access to the markets of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Maldives, and Afghanistan. This helps Sri Lankan businesses trade more easily with these countries. The SAFTA trade benefits for Sri Lanka include reduced taxes and exemptions on a wide range of products, making Sri Lankan goods more competitive in regional markets.
To claim these SAFTA tax reductions for Sri Lanka, exporters must obtain the South Asian Free Trade Agreement Certificate, also known as the SAFTA Certificate of Origin. This certificate proves that goods exported from Sri Lanka meet the SAFTA eligibility criteria that Sri Lanka requires, qualifying them for duty reductions.
Below is the detailed process on how to get a SAFTA Certificate in Sri Lanka, including the step-by-step application process, eligibility requirements, and where to apply. The SAFTA Certificate issuing authority in Sri Lanka, typically the Department of Commerce, plays a central role in processing applications and issuing the certificates.
By understanding the process and securing a SAFTA Certificate for Sri Lanka, exporters can boost Sri Lanka's exports under SAFTA, enhancing trade opportunities and contributing to economic growth through this important Free Trade Agreement in Sri Lanka.
A SAFTA Certificate is granted under the SAFTA agreement, and under this agreement, the members of SAARC can have preferential tariff rates. This certificate ensures that the exported goods produced in SAARC countries (for instance India, Bangladesh, Nepal, and so on) can be certified as originating from such a country, hence taking advantage of free or reduced tariffs in the destined country. The SAFTA Certificate of Origin is issued for facilitation by the authorized agencies, which check and confirm that the goods fulfill the rules of origin criteria, and also provide incentives in terms of trade liberalization of the region, competitiveness, and reduction of cost. It also has a very significant role in facilitating economic integration and trade of the SAFTA member countries.
The South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA) Certificate provides Sri Lanka with several economic and trade advantages. Here are the key benefits of the SAFTA Certificate for Sri Lanka:
The SAFTA Certificate, also known as the Certificate of Origin, is classified into two main categories:
The SAFTA (South Asian Free Trade Area) Certificate allows an exporter to qualify for tariff preferences under the SAFTA agreement to boost goods trade among SAARC nations. It acts as proof that the goods are produced and exported from a specific country and meet the legal requirements required by a certain country. This aids its members by cutting trade barriers through the lessening of duties, increasing access to the global market, and giving support to member countries to forge stronger economic relations.
The SAFTA registration process encompasses the subsequent stages:
To obtain a SAFTA (South Asian Free Trade Area) Certificate, the following documents are typically required for the registration process:
Note: In the case of tea, exporters who are required to submit Certificate of Origin (Non Preferential) are to apply to the Tea Board or any Inspection Agency authorized by the Tea Board along with documents listed above.
The total cost for SAFTA registration is ₹6,235, covering a ₹736 government fee, ₹500 one-time registration fee, ₹2,000 application fee, and ₹2,999 professional fee, ensuring a smooth registration process. Below is the detailed structure:
| Particulars | Cost |
|---|---|
| Government fee | 736 |
| One-time registration fee | 500 |
| Application fee | 2,000 |
| Professional fee | 2,999 |
| Total cost of registration | 6,235 |
Once items qualify as origin goods under SAFTA, the SAFTA Certificate is usually issued within 2-3 working days of shipment or export. In exceptional cases, if not granted on time, it may be issued retroactively within 45 days, clearly marked as "issued retrospectively" on the certificate.
The SAFTA registration process is a one-time process, and the certificate is valid for a year from the date of registration.
Conclusion
It is necessary to get the SAFTA Certificate for Sri Lanka for exporters, who want to take advantage of lower tariffs and open new opportunities in the South Asian Free Trade Area. Sri Lankan businesses can increase the competitiveness of their products in exporting countries by following the SAFTA rules of origin and getting the SAFTA certificate through authorized agencies. It is very simple, an individual only has to fill in some documents and register. The SAFTA Certificate helps Sri Lankan exporters to enhance the possibilities for export expansions, convenient customs formalities, equalized trading standards, and superior preferential access within the SAARC countries.
At Professional Utilities, we leverage our industry knowledge and expertise to help businesses navigate complex regulations, minimize risks, and optimize operations for maximum efficiency and profitability.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
You can apply through India’s Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) or authorized agencies by submitting export documents, invoice, and proof of origin.
Authorized agencies like Export Inspection Council (EIC), DGFT, and Chambers of Commerce issue SAFTA Certificates of Origin in India for eligible exporters.
The SAFTA Certificate of Origin generally costs between ₹500 to ₹1,000 per certificate, depending on the issuing agency and required documentation services.
SAFTA certificates are issued by member countries: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Bhutan for intra-regional preferential trade.
Exporters apply through DGFT online platform or designated agencies by submitting relevant export documents, invoice, and declaration for issuance of Certificate of Origin.
SAFTA rules specify tariff reduction schedules, rules of origin, safeguard measures, and dispute resolution among member countries to promote regional trade and cooperation.
Myanmar is not a SAFTA member. It is part of ASEAN, not SAARC, which includes Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka.
Misuse occurs when exporters falsely declare origin, re-route goods through member countries to exploit tariff concessions, or violate rules of origin and certification procedures.
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