-- a document enabling exporters to claim tariff benefits under free trade pacts -- has risen significantly for Australia and the UAE in 2024-25, indicating increased advantage of such agreements for domestic exporters. The number of preferential certificates of origin issued by India under
free trade agreements (FTAs) with Australia and the UAE rose by 19 per cent and 24.7 per cent respectively, in 2024-25, according to the
commerce ministry data.
India has issued 77,234 such certificates in 2024-25 under the FTA with Australia as against 64,864 in 2023-24, registering an increase of 19.07 per cent.
Similarly, India has issued 122,036 certificates under the FTA with the UAE in 2024-25 as against 98,104 in 2023-24, which is an increase of about 24.66 per cent.
In total, 7,20,996 certificates have been granted during 2024-25. It was 6,84,724 in 2023-24, the data showed.
These certificates are essential for
Indian exporters to claim preferential tariff benefits under respective trade agreements, thereby enhancing the competitiveness of Indian goods in partner markets and facilitating smoother access to global value chains. The India-UAE free trade agreement came into effect in May 2022, while the FTA with Australia has been implemented in December 2022. In a free trade agreement, two countries either significantly reduce or eliminate import duties on the maximum number of goods traded between them.
India has so far implemented over a dozen such agreements with countries including Japan, Singapore, Korea, UAE and Australia.
Increasing issuance of these documents also highlights the strengthening trade relationship between the FTA partners. Besides it also increases awareness among Indian exporters about the advantages of leveraging these agreements, an official said.
The trend is also evident in the monthly data for April and May 2025, where the number of CoOs (certificates of origin) issued grew from 5,643 in April 2024 to 6,395 in April 2025 (a 13.3 per cent increase), and from 6,125 in May 2024 to 6,580 in May 2025 (a 7.4 per cent increase).
"This consistent rise underscores the growing utilisation of this FTA, likely driven by increased outreach, greater clarity on procedural requirements, and expanding trade relations," the official said.
With the UAE, the number of CoOs issued in April was 11,825 as against 8,735 in April last year. In May, 11,507 certificates were issued against 8,969 in May 2024 (a 28.3 per cent increase).
In total, during April-May this fiscal, 1,32,116 certificates have been issued against 1,20,598 certificates in the same period of previous fiscal.
"As awareness and utilisation of these agreements continue to rise, further growth in trade is anticipated through FTAs thereby strengthening India's position in global trade," the official added.
