Question 1

What are rules of origin and why do they matter when importing from India?

Accepted Answer

Rules of origin are the criteria a product must satisfy to qualify for reduced or zero customs duty under a trade agreement. They exist to ensure that only goods genuinely manufactured or substantially transformed in India benefit from preferential rates. The two most common tests are a minimum percentage of value addition in India (often around 40%) and a change in tariff classification, meaning the finished product falls under a different HS code than its imported raw materials. If your goods do not meet the applicable rule, you pay the standard (MFN) duty rate regardless of where they shipped from.

Question 2

What is a certificate of origin and how do I get one from an Indian supplier?

Accepted Answer

A certificate of origin (COO) is an official document issued by an authorised body in India (such as a Federation of Indian Export Organisations office, an Export Inspection Agency, or a designated chamber of commerce) confirming that the goods meet the origin criteria of a specific trade agreement. Your Indian supplier applies for it before shipment. Without a valid COO accompanying your consignment, customs in the importing country will not grant preferential duty treatment. When placing an order, explicitly ask your supplier to provide the COO and confirm which issuing authority they will use. Sauda can help you find export-ready factories that already understand this process and routinely issue certificates of origin.

Question 3

Which India trade deals offer preferential duty, and when do they take effect?

Accepted Answer

Several agreements are live or upcoming. The India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) has been in force since May 2022 and covers thousands of tariff lines. The India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA) took effect in December 2022. The India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) is set to apply from 15 July 2026. Each agreement has its own product-specific rules of origin, so you should check the relevant schedule for your HS code before assuming preferential rates apply.

Question 4

What happens if my shipment arrives without a certificate of origin?

Accepted Answer

If no valid certificate of origin accompanies your goods, customs will assess duty at the standard most-favoured-nation (MFN) rate rather than the preferential rate under the trade deal. In some cases you can retrospectively submit a COO within a specified window (often 12 months), but this involves additional paperwork, potential delays, and sometimes a deposit or guarantee for the duty difference. It is far simpler to ensure the COO is arranged before shipment.

Question 5

Is Sauda really free for buyers, and how does it make money?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Sauda is completely free for buyers. There are no fees, subscriptions, or commissions charged on the buying side. Sauda earns from the supplier side. You simply send your sourcing requirement via WhatsApp at https://wa.me/9987549010, and Sauda finds factories, verifies them, contacts them, negotiates pricing, and returns the cheapest verified live quotes within 24 hours.

Question 6

How does Sauda verify Indian suppliers?

Accepted Answer

Sauda checks each supplier's GST filings and returns to confirm they are a legitimate, active business. This verification step filters out inactive registrations, shell entities, and non-compliant traders before any quote reaches you. Because Sauda also contacts and calls factories directly, it confirms real-time pricing and export readiness rather than relying on stale catalogue listings. This means the quotes you receive come from genuine, operational Indian manufacturers.

Rules of Origin and Certificate of Origin for Importing from India: What Buyers Need to Know

How Sauda gets you the cheapest quote

Frequently asked

Related sourcing guides