Does esters of formic acid 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.

Esters of formic acid (HS 29151300) under India–UAE CEPA

HS 29151300 · 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 esters of formic acid (HS 29151300), 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. Formate esters are used as solvents, flavour and fragrance components and chemical intermediates, a specialty rather than bulk import. CEPA removes the 7.5% MFN duty. The 40% regional-value-content rule requires genuine UAE esterification; drumming imported ester does not confer origin. Where the material is destined for food, flavour or fragrance use, FSSAI or purity documentation applies independently of customs. Because volumes are small and values moderate, importers often overlook the Certificate of Origin — the saving still justifies the paperwork on a repeat specialty line. 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 esters of formic acid 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 esters of formic acid?: 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.