Does hard dates (chhohara or kharek) qualify for India–UAE CEPA?

Yes, if it is wholly obtained in the UAE — i.e. entirely grown or produced there. The Annex 3B Product-Specific Rule for this line is Wholly Obtained.

What is the Rule of Origin for hard dates (chhohara or kharek)?

Wholly Obtained (WO): the product must be entirely obtained or produced in the UAE, with no value-addition calculation required.

What proof is needed at import?

A preferential Certificate of Origin filed through eCoO 2.0, presented at customs before clearance. Without it, the 20% MFN duty applies.

Hard dates (chhohara or kharek) (HS 08041030) under India–UAE CEPA

HS 08041030 · DATES · Rules of Origin & preferential rate

Data last updated: 1 September 2026 · MFN duty & IGST verified against ICEGATE (Indian Customs EDI). Rules of Origin per CEPA Annex 3B. Verify your exact HS line before filing.

CEPA eligible: Yes
Value addition (RVC): n/a
Tariff-classification change: Wholly obtained
MFN → CEPA basic duty: 20% → 0%

Rule of Origin (CEPA Annex 3B, primary source): Wholly Obtained — qualifies on origin, no value-addition test (CEPA Annex 3B).

Qualifying under the Rules of Origin

To claim the CEPA preference on hard dates (chhohara or kharek) (HS 08041030), the goods must qualify as UAE-originating: the Product-Specific Rule (Annex 3B) is Wholly Obtained — the goods must be entirely grown or produced in the UAE, so no value-addition calculation applies. Hard dates, sold in India as chhohara or kharek, are dried to a firm texture and used in confectionery and religious offerings. The MFN duty is 20% — lower than the 30% on fresh dates — and CEPA takes it to zero, with 5% IGST. Dates are the one Chapter 8 line where the wholly obtained rule is routinely satisfied on genuine UAE origin: the emirates are a major date producer, not just a re-export hub. Ask for the farm or packhouse reference on the certificate of origin. FSSAI clearance and a DPPQS phytosanitary certificate apply to every consignment. A valid Certificate of Origin filed through the eCoO 2.0 system must accompany the shipment; without it, customs charges the 20% MFN rate instead of the preference.

Check your own figures in the Rules of Origin (RVC) qualifier.

Frequently asked questions

Does hard dates (chhohara or kharek) qualify for India–UAE CEPA?: Yes, if it is wholly obtained in the UAE — i.e. entirely grown or produced there. The Annex 3B Product-Specific Rule for this line is Wholly Obtained.
What is the Rule of Origin for hard dates (chhohara or kharek)?: Wholly Obtained (WO): the product must be entirely obtained or produced in the UAE, with no value-addition calculation required.
What proof is needed at import?: A preferential Certificate of Origin filed through eCoO 2.0, presented at customs before clearance. Without it, the 20% MFN duty applies.