Indian exporters can claim preferential import duty in APTA members including Bangladesh, China, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Laos and Mongolia under the Asia-Pacific Trade Agreement (APTA) by obtaining a preferential certificate of origin through the DGFT common digital platform. The goods must meet the agreement's rules of origin, such as being wholly obtained in India or meeting value addition and tariff change criteria, and the certificate is presented to customs in the importing country.
Who can use it
Exporters shipping eligible goods to APTA members including Bangladesh, China, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Laos and Mongolia, where the product is covered by tariff concessions.
Rules of origin
- Wholly obtained goods qualify directly
- Other goods must meet regional value content and/or change in tariff classification
- Direct consignment rules apply
Application process
- Register on the DGFT platform.
- Select the agreement and fill product and origin details.
- Upload invoice, packing list and cost data.
- Verification by issuing agency.
- Download the e-certificate.
Short on time? Leegal can handle APTA Certificate Registration for you, end to end.
Get expert help →Practical note
APTA, formerly the Bangkok Agreement, offers margins of preference on listed products rather than full duty elimination.
Record keeping
Keep bills of materials, supplier invoices and cost sheets for origin verification requests from the importing country.
Frequently asked questions
Is a non-preferential certificate enough?
No. Preferential duty requires the agreement-specific certificate of origin.
Can merchant exporters apply?
Yes, if the goods meet origin rules and documents support it.
How long does issuance take?
Often quick online once documents are complete.
Can a certificate be issued after shipment?
Retrospective issuance may be possible within limits set by the agreement.
Let Leegal handle your APTA Certificate Registration
Documentation, filing and follow-up by a dedicated expert, so you can focus on running your business.
- Dedicated point of contact
- Transparent pricing
- Pan-India service