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ISFTA Certificate - An Overview

Do you want to make your exports from India to Sri Lanka more cost-effective and competitive? Well then, you can unlock preferential duty benefits with an ISFTA Certificate of Origin and help your products access reduced or zero tariff rates under the India–Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement (ISFTA).

Signed in 1998 and implemented in 2000, the India–Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement was the first bilateral free trade agreement for both countries, aimed at strengthening trade relations and promoting cross-border business opportunities.

The ISFTA Certificate confirms that exported goods meet the required origin criteria and enables Sri Lankan importers to claim customs duty benefits. However, exporters must comply with ISFTA Rules of Origin, maintain accurate documentation, and follow the correct application process to avoid delays, rejection, or loss of tariff concessions.

An ISFTA Certificate for export serves as official proof of Indian origin and is issued for each shipment. Enterslice provides end-to-end support for ISFTA Certificate online application, including eligibility assessment, documentation preparation, certificate issuance, and ongoing compliance guidance. However, an India Sri Lanka FTA Certificate is required for the following reasons:

Duty savings

Price competitiveness

Market access

Compliance

Stronger trade relationships

Avoidance of Loss of preferential duty benefits without a Certificate of Origin

ISFTA Certificate for Sri Lanka with Enterslice’s Experts

Unlock preferential trade benefits under the India–Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement with hassle-free assistance for an ISFTA certificate for Sri Lanka. Enterslice helps exporters with documentation, compliance checks, and certificate processing to access reduced duties and smoother customs clearance in Sri Lanka.

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What are the Benefits of ISFTA Certificate Registration?

The list of benefits of ISFTA Certificate Registration is as follows:

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Duty-Free Access

Both countries have agreed to eliminate or reduce customs duties on a wide range of goods. This allows Indian exporters to sell in Sri Lanka without paying duties, and vice versa, making products more affordable and competitively priced in both markets.

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Simplified Customs Procedures

The ISFTA streamlines customs processes, enabling faster clearance of goods at the border. This reduces delays and lowers the overall time and cost involved in cross-border trade.

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Protection of Intellectual Property Rights

The agreement includes strong provisions to safeguard intellectual property. This creates a secure environment for innovation and encourages businesses to invest more confidently in research and development.

What are the Documents Required for ISFTA Certificate Online Application?

To apply for an ISFTA Certificate online, exporters generally need to submit the following documents:

Importer Exporter Code (IEC) details of the exporter

Commercial invoice of the export consignment

Packing list containing shipment details

Product details, including HS codes and product descriptions

Origin criterion documents, such as cost/value-addition calculations, bill of materials, input origin details, and FOB value workings

Shipping and export documents, such as the shipping bill or other relevant export documents

Exporter and consignee (Sri Lankan importer) details

Manufacturer details, if the exporter is different from the manufacturer

Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) for submitting the online application

What is the Process to Apply for ISFTA Certificate of Origin?

The step-by-step process to Apply for ISFTA Certificate is as mentioned below:

Register on the eCoO Platform

The exporter must create an account on the DGFT Certificate of Origin platform using valid IEC details and complete the required registration process.

Verify Product Origin Eligibility

The exporter must identify the correct HS Code and confirm whether the product qualifies for ISFTA preferential benefits by meeting the applicable Rules of Origin requirements, including wholly obtained criteria or value addition/change in tariff classification requirements.

Submit the Online CoO Application

The exporter completes the online application by providing shipment details, product description, HS Code, invoice details, origin declaration, and other required information. Supporting documents such as the commercial invoice, packing list, and origin-related documents must also be uploaded.

Verification by the Issuing Authority

The submitted application is reviewed by the authorized issuing authority, such as the Export Inspection Council (EIC), to verify the accuracy of the origin declaration and supporting documents.

Issuance of the ISFTA Certificate of Origin

Once the application is approved, the digitally signed ISFTA Certificate of Origin is issued through the eCoO platform.

Submission to Sri Lankan Customs for Duty Benefits

The exporter provides the ISFTA Certificate of Origin along with the shipment documents. The Sri Lankan importer uses the certificate to claim preferential tariff treatment and reduced or zero customs duties under the India–Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement.

What is the Timeline to Apply for ISFTA Certificate?

The time taken to Apply for ISFTA Certificate is as mentioned below:

Platform Registration: 1–3 Business Days

Register on the DGFT eCoO portal using a valid Import Export Code (IEC). This is a one-time registration process for exporters.

Product Origin Assessment & Document Preparation: 1–3 Business Days

Verify that the goods meet the ISFTA Rules of Origin and prepare the required supporting documents for the application.

Online Application Submission: Same Day

Complete and submit the ISFTA Certificate of Origin application through the eCoO portal along with the necessary documents.

Verification by the Issuing Authority: 1–3 Business Days

The designated issuing authority reviews the application and verifies the origin declaration and supporting documents.

Certificate Issuance: Immediately After Approval

Once the application is approved, the digitally signed ISFTA Certificate of Origin is issued through the eCoO platform.

ISFTA Rules for India Sri Lanka FTA Certificate

The ISFTA rules for India Sri Lanka FTA Certificate are as follows:

  • Goods wholly obtained or produced in India, including goods entirely grown, harvested, mined, or manufactured in India, qualify as originating goods.
  • Goods manufactured using imported or non-originating materials must meet the requirement of at least 35% domestic value addition calculated on the FOB value.
  • Such goods must also satisfy the Change in Tariff Heading (CTH) requirement, where the final product must fall under a different 6-digit HS sub-heading compared to the non-originating inputs.
  • Under ISFTA bilateral cumulation, goods using originating inputs from the other ISFTA member country can qualify if the exporter contributes a minimum of 25% domestic value addition.
  • The combined value addition from both ISFTA countries must reach at least 35% of the FOB value to meet the cumulation requirement.
  • Exporters must maintain proper records and supporting documents to prove compliance with the applicable origin criteria for obtaining a valid ISFTA Certificate of Origin.

ISFTA Certificate for Export Compliance

The list of an ISFTA Certificate for Export Compliance is mentioned below:

  • Ensure correct HS (Harmonized System) classification of products to determine applicable tariff benefits and verify eligibility under ISFTA rules.
  • Maintain accurate value-addition calculations and supporting records to prove that products meet the required domestic value addition and origin criteria.
  • Check ISFTA product eligibility, including applicable negative lists and excluded items, before claiming preferential tariff benefits.
  • Obtain an ISFTA Certificate of Origin for each eligible consignment/shipment as required under the agreement’s certification procedures.
  • Maintain proper records and documentation, including invoices, production records, cost sheets, and origin-related documents, to support claims during verification by authorities.
  • Stay updated with changes in ISFTA rules, tariff concessions, quotas, and certification procedures issued by relevant authorities.
  • Ensure compliance with ISFTA requirements to secure preferential duty benefits, avoid customs disputes, and reduce the risk of denial or recovery of tariff concessions.

Ready to Start Your ISFTA Certificate Registration?

Let our experts at Enterslice handle your ISFTA Certificate Registration from start to finish.

  • 99% On-time Approvals
  • Complete Documentation & Compliance Support

Why Trust Enterslice for an ISFTA Certificate Online?

You may trust Enterslice for an ISFTA certificate online for the following reasons:

  • 15+ years of experience in legal, tax, regulatory, and international trade advisory services.
  • Assistance with obtaining the Certificate of Origin under ISFTA, ensuring your exports comply with the applicable Rules of Origin and qualify for preferential tariff benefits.
  • End-to-end ISFTA Export Compliance support, including origin verification, documentation, value-addition calculations, and post-certification compliance.
  • 10,000+ in-house experts, including lawyers, Chartered Accountants, Company Secretaries, and trade compliance professionals.
  • 22,000+ ZIP codes serviced globally, ensuring reliable support across multiple jurisdictions.
  • 100+ exclusive country alliances and a strong partner network for seamless cross-border trade and regulatory assistance.
  • Expert guidance on Rules of Origin, accurate HS classification, and value-addition calculations to maximize ISFTA benefits.
  • Comprehensive eligibility and negative-list checks to ensure your products qualify for ISFTA tariff concessions.
  • Complete management of the eCoO portal for accurate and timely online Certificate of Origin applications.
  • Coordination with the Export Inspection Council (EIC), Export Inspection Agencies (EIA), customs brokers, and logistics partners for faster certificate issuance.
  • Ongoing export compliance support, including consignment-wise certificates, record maintenance, and assistance during customs verification.
  • Expertise across multiple Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), enabling businesses to expand exports while remaining fully compliant.
  • Transparent, scope-based pricing with no hidden charges and a dedicated relationship manager to assist you from consultation to certificate issuance and ongoing compliance.

FAQs on ISFTA Certificate

An ISFTA Certificate is a Certificate of Origin issued under the India–Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement (ISFTA). It certifies that goods originate in India and are eligible for preferential customs duty when imported into Sri Lanka.

The India–Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement (ISFTA) was signed in 1998 and came into force in 2000. It was the first bilateral Free Trade Agreement for both India and Sri Lanka and provides preferential tariff concessions on eligible goods traded between the two countries.

ISFTA Certificate Registration helps exporters avail duty benefits, reduce customs delays, simplify trade procedures, and improve market competitiveness. It also supports business confidence by protecting intellectual property rights and promoting smoother India–Sri Lanka trade.

The certificate allows the Sri Lankan importer to claim reduced or zero customs duty under ISFTA. Without a valid Certificate of Origin, the importer cannot avail of these preferential tariff benefits.

Any Indian exporter with a valid Import Export Code (IEC) can apply, provided the exported goods are eligible under ISFTA, are not included in the negative list, and comply with the Rules of Origin.

Goods qualify if they are wholly obtained in India or satisfy the prescribed origin criteria, including at least 35% domestic value addition and a Change in Tariff Heading (CTH). Under India–Sri Lanka cumulation, a minimum of 25% Indian value addition with 35% combined regional value content may also qualify.

The Certificate of Origin is issued by the designated authorities, namely the Export Inspection Council (EIC) and Export Inspection Agencies (EIA) through the online Certificate of Origin (eCoO) platform.

Yes. Exporters can apply ISFTA certificate online through the official eCoO portal using a valid Digital Signature Certificate (DSC).

Commonly required documents for an ISFTA certificate include the Import Export Code (IEC), commercial invoice, packing list, product details with HS codes, value-addition calculations, shipping/export documents, and exporter and consignee details.

Yes. A separate Certificate of Origin is generally required for every export consignment to claim ISFTA tariff preferences.

The negative list contains products that are excluded from preferential tariff benefits under ISFTA. Goods included in this list are not eligible for reduced or zero customs duty under the agreement.

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