Does curry paste qualify for India–UAE CEPA?

Yes, if it meets the Annex 3B Product-Specific Rule "CTH + VA 40% (CEPA Annex 3B Product-Specific Rule; tariff-shift AND value addition both required).": it must BOTH change tariff classification (CTH) AND add at least 40% regional value content — both conditions are required, not either/or.

What proof is needed at import?

A preferential Certificate of Origin filed through eCoO 2.0, presented at customs before clearance. Without it, the 30% MFN duty applies.

Curry paste (HS 21039010) under India–UAE CEPA

HS 21039010 · SAUCES AND PREPARATIONS THEREFOR · 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): 40%
Tariff-classification change: CTH
MFN → CEPA basic duty: 30% → 0%

Rule of Origin (CEPA Annex 3B, primary source): CTH + VA 40% (CEPA Annex 3B Product-Specific Rule; tariff-shift AND value addition both required).

Qualifying under the Rules of Origin

To claim the CEPA preference on curry paste (HS 21039010), the goods must qualify as UAE-originating: the Product-Specific Rule (Annex 3B) is "CTH + VA 40% (CEPA Annex 3B Product-Specific Rule; tariff-shift AND value addition both required).": the goods must undergo a change of tariff heading (CTH) AND add at least 40% regional value content — both conditions, not either/or. Curry paste is a prepared sauce base, and CEPA removes the 30% MFN duty entirely, with 5% IGST. The origin rule is a change of heading with 40% value addition; a UAE manufacturer blending imported spices of Chapter 9 with oils and vegetables into a paste of heading 2103 crosses the heading, and the value-addition test is usually the binding one for spice-heavy formulations where inputs dominate the cost. Clearance turns on FSSAI: ingredient and additive declarations, preservative limits, and complete allergen labelling on retail packs. Products with meat or fish extracts face additional import conditions and should be classified with care. A valid Certificate of Origin filed through the eCoO 2.0 system must accompany the shipment; without it, customs charges the 30% MFN rate instead of the preference.

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

Frequently asked questions

Does curry paste qualify for India–UAE CEPA?: Yes, if it meets the Annex 3B Product-Specific Rule "CTH + VA 40% (CEPA Annex 3B Product-Specific Rule; tariff-shift AND value addition both required).": it must BOTH change tariff classification (CTH) AND add at least 40% regional value content — both conditions are required, not either/or.
What is the Rule of Origin for curry paste?: Per CEPA Annex 3B: CTH + VA 40% (CEPA Annex 3B Product-Specific Rule; tariff-shift AND value addition both required).. RVC% = [(FOB − value of non-originating materials) / FOB] × 100 (FOB basis).
What proof is needed at import?: A preferential Certificate of Origin filed through eCoO 2.0, presented at customs before clearance. Without it, the 30% MFN duty applies.