Does sodium formate qualify for India–UAE CEPA?

Yes, if it meets the Annex 3B Product-Specific Rule "CTSH + VA 40% (CEPA Annex 3B Product-Specific Rule; tariff-shift AND value addition both required).": it must BOTH change tariff classification (CTSH) 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 7.5% MFN duty applies.

Sodium formate (HS 29151210) under India–UAE CEPA

HS 29151210 · SATURATED ACYCLIC MONOCARBOXYLIC ACIDS AND THEIR ANHYDR · Rules of Origin & preferential rate

Data last updated: 20 August 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: CTSH
MFN → CEPA basic duty: 7.5% → 0%

Rule of Origin (CEPA Annex 3B, primary source): CTSH + 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 sodium formate (HS 29151210), the goods must qualify as UAE-originating: the Product-Specific Rule (Annex 3B) is "CTSH + VA 40% (CEPA Annex 3B Product-Specific Rule; tariff-shift AND value addition both required).": the goods must undergo a change of tariff sub-heading (CTSH) AND add at least 40% regional value content — both conditions, not either/or. Sodium formate serves oil-field drilling fluids, leather tanning and de-icing applications, with Indian demand linked to both energy services and the tanning belt. The 7.5% MFN duty falls to zero under CEPA. Being a salt produced from formic acid, the 40% value-content rule turns on whether the UAE synthesised it or merely blended and bagged imported material — a distinction customs will test. Oil-field grades carry specification requirements from the service company. Keep production and origin documentation together, and file the Certificate of Origin to secure the preference. A valid Certificate of Origin filed through the eCoO 2.0 system must accompany the shipment; without it, customs charges the 7.5% MFN rate instead of the preference.

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

Frequently asked questions

Does sodium formate qualify for India–UAE CEPA?: Yes, if it meets the Annex 3B Product-Specific Rule "CTSH + VA 40% (CEPA Annex 3B Product-Specific Rule; tariff-shift AND value addition both required).": it must BOTH change tariff classification (CTSH) AND add at least 40% regional value content — both conditions are required, not either/or.
What is the Rule of Origin for sodium formate?: Per CEPA Annex 3B: CTSH + 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 7.5% MFN duty applies.