- India allows IACCIA to issue certificates of origin for WANA exports.
- The move aims to ease documentation and reduce delays for small exporters.
- WANA trade grows with strong ties to the UAE, Oman and other markets.
The Indian government has simplified export documentation requirements for businesses trading with WANA countries by permitting the India & Arab Countries Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture to issue a non-preferential certificate of origin.
The government announced this step as part of its commitment to reduce procedural delays and improve the ease of doing business for small and medium exporters who face considerable difficulties in obtaining such certificates during peak export seasons.
Certificates of Origin play a crucial role in trade documents for customs administration in countries of import for determining the origin of shipments, cooperating in anti-dumping investigations, as well as trade statistical compilation, even if there are no benefits being pursued for tariff preference by the exporting firms in the WANA region.
Being part of the official list of recognised issuing entities is supported by India's Ministry of External Affairs and Ministry of Commerce and Industry, as well as the main regional organisations such as the League of Arab States and the Union of Arab Chambers.
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It is pertinent to note that IACCIA is actively involved in trade promotion initiatives such as business delegation meetings, as well as other promotional events, and its authorisation is expected to offer exporters a regional flavour certification choice.
There has been steady growth in trade relationships of India with the WANA countries, facilitated by the presence of free trade agreements, such as in the UAE, Oman, and current negotiations taking place in Qatar.WANA countries number 19 in total, of which the main market countries include Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Kuwait, Morocco, among others.
During FY25, the exports from India to the major WANA countries were over $64 billion, and the overall trade exceeded $216 billion, with the UAE being the top destination for exports. The decision to empower the role of IACCIA is likely to help simplify the process of exports and also enable the growth of non-oil exports.