A non-preferential certificate of origin states that the tiles were made in India, and many importers need one for customs or for a letter of credit. A preferential certificate goes further and supports a claim for reduced duty under a trade agreement. Ask which one you need before the factory prepares the shipment.
Exporters in India usually obtain these documents through authorised issuing bodies. Check the current list and process with your broker and the factory.
What is the difference between the two?
The two certificates answer different questions:
- A non-preferential certificate records the country where the goods were made. It does not change the duty rate by itself, but customs may need it to apply country-specific measures such as anti-dumping duties.
- A preferential certificate shows that the goods meet the origin rules of a named trade agreement, so the importer can claim the lower duty set by that agreement.
See India-UAE CEPA and India-UK FTA: what they mean for tile duty for how agreements change the picture.
Who issues the certificate?
In India, certificates of origin are issued by bodies authorised by the government, often chambers of commerce or export promotion councils, and increasingly through an online system. Preferential certificates are issued under each agreement's own procedure, which may differ from the non-preferential route.
The factory or the exporter applies, using the commercial invoice and supporting records. Ask early who will apply and how long it takes, since it should not delay the vessel.
What must the certificate match?
Customs compare the certificate with the other documents. These details should agree on every paper:
- The exporter and consignee names and addresses.
- The product description, including size and type of tile.
- The tariff code, where it is shown.
- The quantity, number of packages and gross weight.
- The invoice number and date, and the vessel or bill of lading reference where required.
What errors cause trouble?
The common errors are simple. A spelling difference in the consignee name, a description that says tiles when the invoice says porcelain slabs, a wrong date, or a certificate issued after the cargo has already sailed can all cause a query. Some destinations also require the certificate to be legalised, so confirm that before shipment.
Letters of credit are stricter still. If your bank requires an origin certificate, the wording must match the credit exactly. Read safest payment terms for tile imports before you agree terms.
Where does it fit in the document pack?
The certificate travels with the invoice, packing list and bill of lading. See documents needed for tile exports from India and the document pack your broker will ask for.
When should you ask for it?
Raise the origin certificate when you place the order, not at the point of loading. Tell the factory which type you need, who the consignee is, and what wording your bank or customs wants. Origin papers need time to prepare, and they depend on the invoice being final. A late request is one of the main reasons for a certificate that arrives after the vessel has sailed.
Next step
We check documents against each other before the container is released. To plan your shipment paperwork, book a free sourcing review.