Does nickel-metal hydride accumulators 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 15% MFN duty applies.

Rules of Origin for nickel-metal hydride accumulators — Dubai (UAE) to India

HS 85075000 · ELECTRIC ACCUMULATORS · Rules of Origin & preferential rate

Data last updated: 30 July 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 Annex 3B rule set at chapter level — it covers the whole chapter, not this code alone
MFN → CEPA basic duty: 15% → 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 nickel-metal hydride accumulators (HS 85075000), 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. Read that rule for what it is: Annex 3B supplies it at chapter level, so it governs hundreds of eight-digit codes rather than this one. It is the correct rule to apply, and it is also the place to check for a more specific carve-out before committing to a claim. Nickel-metal hydride packs power hybrid vehicles, cordless tools and consumer devices, and demand tracks India's hybrid and tool markets. The full basic-duty removal is attractive, but NiMH is cell-value-intensive, and the 40% regional-value-content rule is only met where genuine cell manufacture or major pack assembly occurs in the UAE — importing finished Asian cells for re-export does not qualify, and pack assembly from bought-in cells is a marginal case that the value limb is designed to test. Obtain the origin breakdown from the maker rather than assuming it. Battery safety certification and BIS requirements clear on their own track and bind the manufacturer. A missing Certificate of Origin defaults the line to the full MFN rate, and it cannot be produced afterwards to reopen the assessment. A valid Certificate of Origin filed through the eCoO 2.0 system must accompany the shipment; without it, customs charges the 15% MFN rate instead of the preference.

Check your own figures in the Rules of Origin (RVC) qualifier. Qualifying is only half of it — the preference is claimed with a Certificate of Origin, issued in the UAE before shipment or retrospectively within 12 months.

Frequently asked questions

Does nickel-metal hydride accumulators 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 nickel-metal hydride accumulators?: 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 15% MFN duty applies.