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AIFTA Certificate of Origin - An Overview

The government of India and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have established an agreement on comprehensive economic cooperation. The agreement facilitates market access and eliminates tariffs on 75% of goods traded between India and ASEAN. If you are an Indian exporter involved in shipping goods to ASEAN countries, the AIFTA Certificate of Origin is for you.

The countries involved in ASEAN are Brunei, Indonesia, Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos, Singapore, Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam and Thailand. However, the exporters will have to apply for an AIFTA Certificate of Origin, which is also known as the Rules of Origin.

Today, the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement has enhanced trade and investment services. To leverage the tariff concession and enjoy better market access, connect with Corpbiz for simplified AIFTA registration procedures.

AIFTA Certificate of Origin
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What are the Benefits of AIFTA Registration?

The AIFTA registration offers reduced customs with seamless access to ASEAN markets. The other key benefits include:

Benefits of AIFTA Registration
Duty-Free Access

Duty-Free Access

The AIFTA registration reduces or eliminates customs duties for a wide range of goods that are traded between India and ASEAN, lowering costs and improving the price.

Protection of Intellectual Property Rights

Protection of Intellectual Property Rights

The ASEAN-India Free Trade Agreement protects intellectual property rights for products of both countries, providing a secure environment for innovation.

Simplified Customs Procedures

Simplified Customs Procedures

Through the AIFTA registration, importers and exporters of the member countries can enjoy simplified customs procedures and expedite the clearance of goods at the border.

Cost Reduction and Market Access

Cost Reduction and Market Access

Most goods and products are eligible for zero or preferential customs duties, which reduces the costs and allows easier market access for over 650 million.

Acceptance of Third-Party Certificates of Origin

Acceptance of Third-Party Certificates of Origin

Under the AIFTA Certificate of Origin, the customs authorities can accept a Certificate of Origin for goods, even if the sale invoice is from a different country.

Improved Competitiveness

Improved Competitiveness

Under the ASEAN-India Free Trade Agreement, Indian importers and exporters can compete better with the non-member products, therefore gaining market share.

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Eligibility Criteria for AIFTA Registration

The eligibility conditions for AIFTA registration are:

  • Must have a minimum 35% value addition in an ASEAN member state.
  • The product must be wholly obtained or undergo substantial transformation under the Rules of Origin of AIFTA.
  • Must produce supporting documents and processing records to demonstrate compliance with the AIFTA regulations.
  • The exporter must upload a valid Importer-Exporter Code (IEC) on the DGFT portal.
  • Products being traded must be transported directly from the exporting country to the importing country.
  • Specific products must have a mandatory Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) integration.

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What is the Review and Recommendation for the ASEAN-India Free Trade Agreement?

The ASEAN-India Free Trade Agreement (AIFTA) was reviewed to expand its coverage and modernize the terms.

  • To expand the goods and services and include more products under the AIFTA.
  • To modernize the ATIGA and ensure the agreement remains relevant.
  • To schedule quarterly negotiations by officials from India and ASEAN.
  • To update the Rules of Origin and improve the efficiency of the agreement.
ASEAN-India Free Trade Agreement
Mandatory Documents for AIFTA Registration

What are the Mandatory Documents for AIFTA Registration?

The mandatory documents for AIFTA registration are mentioned below-

  • IEC Code Certificate
  • Commercial Invoice
  • Organization’s DSC
  • Mobile number
  • Test reports from BIS recognized labs
  • Registered email ID on the DGFT website
  • Purchase order from the importer of the product
  • Declaration from the manufacturer exporter
  • Purchase a bill that has details on the origin and quantum of the product
  • Product details with packing list

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How to Apply for AIFTA Registration Online with Corpbiz?

The step-by-step process to apply for AIFTA registration online with Corpbiz is mentioned below:

  • Step 1: Prerequisite and Registration
    The first step is to ensure your IEC, Importer-Exporter Code, is active and is updated on the DGFT website. The Digital Signature Certificate class 2 or 3 is also mandated, after which you can apply through the official DGFT CoO portal.
  • Step 2: Application Process
    The second step is to log in through the common digital platform for CoO and select the AIFTA (ASEAN-India) as the agreement type. Fill out the application form and upload the documents, which must include a digital signature.
  • Step 3: Pay the Fees and Submit
    After completing the form, pay the required application fees. The payment can be done online through the official portal. Once the payment is successful, you will have to submit the application using your DSC.
  • Step 4: Verification of Documents
    After successful submission, the authorised body of the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) will review the application, which can take 2 to 3 business days. After which, your application will either be rejected or approved.
  • Step 5: Issuance of the Certificate
    Upon approval, the DGFT will generate a digitally signed Certificate of Origin (CoO) under the ASEAN-India Free Trade Area. You will then be able to download or physically collect the certificate.
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Which are the Authorities Responsible to Issue the AIFTA Certificate of Origin?

The key authorities responsible for issuing the AIFTA Certificate of Origin (Form AI) in India are:

  • Export Inspection Council (EIC)
    Export Inspection Council (EIC) or Export Inspection Agencies (EIAs) is the primary authority responsible for issuing the Certificate of Origin, Form AI under AIFTA for all sectors.
  • Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT)
    Regional offices of the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) oversee the electronic issuance of the Certificate of Origin (Form AI) and authorise agencies to issue the certificate.
  • Other Authorised Agencies
    The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) can authorise specific agencies to issue the Certificate of Origin under the ASEAN-India Free Trade Agreement accessible via the DGFT portal.

Corpbiz’s Services for AIFTA Registration

  • Rules of Origin Analysis
    Our experts review the manufacturing details and evaluate your product against the AIFTA Rules of Origin to confirm whether it qualifies for the 35% criteria for tariff benefits.
  • BIS Support
    Get Corpbiz support in understanding and meeting BIS requirements if your product needs BIS testing. Our team help streamline compliance to allow export without regulatory hurdles.
  • Product Eligibility Support
    Our professionals check your product eligibility and confirm whether your product qualifies under the AIFTA agreement. We will also help you get the correct HS code.
  • Application Submission
    Get expert guidance for application submission from Corpbiz. We handle the complete application filing process for the AIFTA registration through the DGFT online portal.
  • AIFTA Advisory Services
    We provide practical guidance on using the ASEAN-India Free Trade Agreement for trade benefits. Through our advisory services, regulations will be simplified to prevent delays.
  • Accurate Documentation
    Corpbiz will prepare and verify the necessary documents required for the AIFTA registration. This will reduce your chances of delays and rejections during the AIFTA application process.

Why Trust Corpbiz for ASEAN-India Free Trade Agreement Registration?

PAN-India Registration Support

PAN-India Registration Support

Connect with Corpbiz for ASEAN-India Free Trade Agreement CoO across India. Our team have supported 500+ exporters, ensuring a smooth and convenient registration process.

10,000+ Professionals

10,000+ Professionals

With a large network of expert professionals, Corpbiz will deliver an efficient service to help you obtain the AIFTA Certificate of Origin. Through the extensive knowledge of international trade regulations, your AIFTA CoO will be issued.

End-to-End Guidance

End-to-End Guidance

Get end-to-end guidance for ASEAN-India Free Trade Agreement Certificate of Origin. Starting from checking for eligibility to document preparation and application filing with the DGFT, every step will be handled carefully on your behalf.

10+ Years of Experience

10+ Years of Experience

With over a decade of experience helping exporters and importers apply for a preferential Certificate of Origin (CoO), Corpbiz has successfully assisted numerous businesses in AIFTA registration.

Expert Solutions

Expert Solutions

The team of Corpbiz provide expert, tailored solutions based on the specific needs of each business. We ensure that the ASEAN-India Free Trade Agreement registration process is done in compliance with the AIFTA regulations.

Quick and Hassle-Free Process

Quick and Hassle-Free Process

Connect with Corpbiz for a quick and hassle-free process. Our team will conduct a thorough review and manage your application by verifying each detail in advance before application submission in the DGFT portal.

Is your AIFTA Registration Still Pending?

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  • 10+ Years of Market Leadership
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Frequently Asked Questions about AIFTA Certificate of Origin

An AIFTA Certificate of Origin is an official document that confirms the Indian origin of goods being exported to ASEAN. This grants eligibility to apply for preferential tariff treatment, including lower or zero duties, under the AIFTA.

The Form AI is the official format for the Certificate of Origin (CoO) under the ASEAN-India Free Trade Area (AIFTA). Form AI is an essential step for Indian exporters to claim zero or reduced duty benefits under the agreement, which can be presented at the time of customs clearance.

The principal issuing authority for the ASEAN-India Free Trade Agreement in India is the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) via its online portal and regional offices. The other approved agency is the Export Inspection Agency (EIA).

The most advantageous sectors that benefit from the AIFTA are as follows:
  • Reduced tariff on pharmaceuticals like formulations and bulk drugs.
  • Agriculture and food, such as tea, spices and processed food.
  • Textile and apparel sectors receive a concession in duties in ASEAN economies.
  • Components and finished electronic goods will enjoy easier market access.
  • Engineering goods such as machinery, auto components and capital goods.

Any importers claiming preferential benefits under the AIFTA Rules of Origin in 2026 will also have to ensure BIS compliance, parallel to the documentation. The new update requires selected categories to be tested in the country of origin before shipment.

The common clearance delays for AIFTA registration include:
  • Invalid BIS certificate due to forged or expired registration.
  • Mismatch in the model since the product differs from the registered model.
  • If the Certificate of Origin was not obtained from the ASEAN authority.
  • Incomplete or inaccurate test results for shipment.

The ten countries along with India in the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement are Brunei Darussalam, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, Singapore, Laos (Lao PDR), Myanmar and Malaysia.

Yes, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) can apply for the AIFTA Certificate of Origin. The SMEs will benefit from reduced import duties provided the specific compliance requirements are met.

The ASEAN-India Free Trade Agreement’s Certificate of Origin is presented at the importation port during the time of customs clearance. The CoO will help you take advantage of preferential rates.

In 2026, the importers sourcing from ASEAN countries will have to ensure dual compliance requirements. The key changes for AIFTA effective 2026 are:
  • Registration validity of two years with mandatory renewal.
  • Specific products will now require in-country BIS testing.
  • Due to increased scrutiny, license processing has been increased to 60-90 days.
  • The penalty for non-compliance has been increased up to ₹5 lakhs, including product seizure.

The Rule of Origin determines the originating status of a product for exporting. The rule establishes a product’s conditions to qualify for a preferential tariff, and if the product is not entirely produced within the member country, at least 35% of the contents must originate from the India-ASEAN region.

About the Author


NE
Neha Dawra

Legal Researcher

Written by Neha Dawra. Last updated on Jun 7 2026, 01:06 AM

Neha Dawra has 4+ years of experience in legal research and intellectual property advisory. Her expertise lies in analyzing IP laws, drafting structured legal content, and simplifying complex registration procedures into clear, simple insights.

 

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