IJCEPA Certificate

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IJCEPA Certificate

Overview
India-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IJCEPA) is an agreement signed by the Government of India and the Government of Japan to increase investment opportunities and strengthen protection for investments and investment activities between the countries. This Agreement is signed for the purpose of preferential treatment between its parties, India and Japan. The general conditions for the preferential tariff treatment under this Agreement are that the goods exported to India or Japan must fall within the description of goods (including HS Code) eligible for concession in India or Japan and comply with requirements in Preference criteria that are set out under this Agreement and also comply with provisions of consignment criteria of the Agreement.

This Agreement applies to the area of India and Japan, which consists of the territory of each country, including their territorial sea, the airspace above territory and the area beyond its territorial sea, including sea-bed and subsoil and over which both these countries have sovereign rights or jurisdiction in accordance of their laws and regulations and also international law including the UN conventions on the Law of the Sea.

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What is the IJCEPA

IJCEPA Certificate stands for India–Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement Certificate of Origin (CoO).
It is an official trade document that certifies that the exported goods originate from India and qualify for preferential tariff treatment (like reduced or zero customs duty) under the India‑Japan trade agreement.

This Certificate of Origin allows Indian exporters (and Japanese exporters for India) to take advantage of preferential tariffs under the India‑Japan free trade deal.

Benefits

Transparency

Each Party, i.e., India and Japan, have to publish or make public its laws, regulations, administrative procedures and administrative rulings & judicial decisions of general application related to the matters covered under IJCEPA. Also, they have to make public the names and addresses of competent authorities responsible for such laws and regulations.

Measures against corruption

Each Party, i.e., must as per their laws and regulations, take appropriate measures to prevent and combat corruption of their public officials regarding matters covered by IJCEPA.

Environmental protection

India and Japan both acknowledge the importance of a sustainable environment and environmental protection. They recognise each Party's right to establish their environmental policies and priorities, ensuring their laws and regulations provide adequate environmental protection and strive to continue improving such laws and regulations.

Confidentiality

Each Party of IJCEPA, according to their laws and regulations, maintain the confidentiality of information provided in confidence by the other Party in pursuance of this Agreement.

Other benefits of obtaining IJCEPA Certificate are as follows:

1.   Reduction in tariffs and trade barriers

2.   Promotion of fair competition

3.   Equitable benefits to both parties

4.   Effective mechanisms for joint administration

5.   Effective resolution of disputes

6.   Enhanced mutual benefits for trade

7.   Framework for regional co-operation

8.   Encouragement of cross-border transactions between both parties.

Documents Required

Followings are the Documents and information required while applying for IJCEPA Certificate:

•      Details of exporter including name, address and country

•      Details of importer including name, address and country

•      Details of the loading port, transit port and discharging port

•      Name of vessels or flight number

•      Date of shipment, i.e., bill of loading or airway bill date (in case of retroactive issuance)

•      Item number, marks & numbers, number and kind of packages, tariff classification number based on HS 2007 and description of each good consigned.

•      HS tariff classification number in six-digit level

•      Preference criterion of goods

•      Quantity of goods

•      Invoice number and date for each good, also third country invoicing (in case invoice is generated by a person different from exporter and such person is located in a non-party).

•      DSC or Digital Signature Certificate

•      IEC or Import-Export Code

•      Manufacturer exporter declaration on company's letterhead

•      Product Description

•      Purchase order from the importer party

•      Declaration

Apply for IJCEPA

      1.  Ensure IEC & DSC

a.   You must have a valid Import Export Code (IEC) and an Organization based Digital Signature Certificate (DSC).

2.   Prepare Documents

a.   Gather shipment, product, and origin proof documents listed above.

3.   Apply Online

a.   Log into the DGFT Certificate of Origin portal (coo.dgft.gov.in) and start an application for the IJCEPA CoO.

4.   Upload Documents & Fill Details

a.   Enter required export/shipment/product data; upload invoices, declarations, and DSC.

5.   Pay Fees

a.   Pay the applicable certification & processing fees (varies by authority).

6.   Review & Issuance

a.   The issuing authority verifies your submission; if approved, the IJCEPA Certificate is issued digitally. 

Who Needs It

✔ Exporters in India shipping goods to Japan
✔ Japanese exporters shipping goods to India
✔ Importers who want to claim duty benefits under the trade agreement
✔ Customs brokers clearing shipments under IJCEPA rules
✔ Trade facilitators and agencies handling export documentation 

Fees & Validity

1.   Government Fees & Charges vary (e.g., ~₹736 + registration/processing fees; exact rates depend on issuing agency).

2.   Validity: Usually valid for 12 months from issue (requires renewal each year).

3.   Each certificate typically applies to a specific consignment; multiple shipments may require multiple CoOs.

FAQ

  • What is an IJCEPA Certificate?

    It is a Certificate of Origin (CoO) that proves goods exported from India meet the rules of origin under IJCEPA, enabling reduced or zero customs duty in Japan.

  • How long is the certificate valid?

    Typically 12 months from the date of issue, but it is specific to the consignment. Each shipment may require a separate certificate.

  • How much does it cost?

    Fees vary depending on the issuing authority. Example: Government fee ~₹736 + processing/registration charges (approximate).

  • Can the certificate be used for multiple shipments?

    Usually, no. It’s tied to a specific consignment. Separate certificates may be needed for different shipments.

  • Is the certificate digital or physical?

    Modern applications via DGFT are digital, but you may still need printed copies for shipment documentation.

  • Do all exported products need an IJCEPA Certificate?

    No. Only goods eligible for preferential treatment under the India-Japan trade agreement need it. Others can be exported without it but won’t get tariff benefits.

  • Where can I check the rules of origin?

    Rules of origin are specified in the IJCEPA text available on DGFT or Ministry of Commerce websites. They define what percentage of a product must be made in India or what processing qualifies.