India's #1 Compliance Partner

SAFTA Certificate

A SAFTA Certificate of Origin lets Indian exporters claim reduced or zero customs duty when trading goods within the SAARC...

Free Consultation

25,000+

Clients

200+

Certifications

25+

Years

Pan-India

Presence

Get expert consultation

Trusted by 25,000+ leading enterprises worldwide

Key takeaways

The SAFTA certificate online enables reduced or zero customs duties under the SAARC trade agreement.
It is a Certificate of Origin that proves goods originate from a SAARC member country and meet the rules of origin.
It is issued by agencies authorised by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), such as Export Inspection Agencies (EIA) and Chambers of Commerce.
It is mandatory for Indian exporters trading with SAARC nations and is required per consignment.
The certificate is valid for 12 months from the date of issue.
Processing time is usually 2 to 7 working days, depending on document accuracy and government timelines.
SAFTA covers the entire SAARC: India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Overview

What is a SAFTA Certificate?

The SAFTA Certificate (South Asian Free Trade Area Certificate of Origin) is an essential trade document that lets exporters and importers access the preferential tariff treatment available under section 2.1 of the SAFTA agreement. When businesses export or import goods with a valid SAFTA Certificate of Origin, it can offer major savings, or complete tax exemptions, on customs duties when trading goods in the SAARC region.

It certifies the country of origin of the products referenced in a commercial invoice and is needed by both the importer and the exporter. With a SAFTA certificate, businesses can assess compliance with the applicable rules of origin and preferential tariff established by the South Asian Free Trade Area agreement.

Whether you are a startup, MSME or large business, this certificate provides a much easier and cheaper path for cross-border trade. If you are an Indian exporter eyeing the SAARC market, the SAFTA certificate of origin is what lets your goods cross borders under reduced or zero customs duty.

Key facts

Mandatory for exporters in India trading with SAARC nations
Valid for 12 months
Ensures goods meet rules of origin
Required per consignment

Coverage

Authorities and covered nations

A SAFTA Certificate of Origin can be issued only by agencies authorised under the DGFT. The preferential tariff applies across all SAARC member countries.

Issuing authority	Role
Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT)	Authorises the agencies that issue the SAFTA certificate
Export Inspection Agency (EIA)	Authorised body that issues the Certificate of Origin
Chambers of Commerce	Authorised body that issues the Certificate of Origin

SAARC member countries	Region
India, Nepal, Bhutan	South Asia
Bangladesh, Maldives, Sri Lanka	South Asia
Pakistan, Afghanistan	South Asia

Why it matters

Benefits of a SAFTA certificate

Lower or zero tariff

A valid certificate lets exporters claim preferential treatment, meaning significantly lower or even zero customs duty on eligible goods to SAARC members.

Export competitiveness

Reduced import costs for the buyer let Indian exporters lower prices, directly improving competitiveness over non-SAFTA exporters.

No GST on exports

Indian exports under SAFTA are not subject to GST, keeping cash flows cleaner and products cheaper for overseas buyers.

Legal origin proof

The certificate acts as legal proof that goods originate from a SAARC member country, essential for claiming duty exemptions.

Faster customs clearance

Border authorities are trained to recognise and prioritise SAFTA shipments, smoothing clearance.

Avoids delays and disputes

A valid certificate reduces the potential for claim delays or rejections over incorrect origin claims.

Why it matters for exporters

Why the SAFTA certificate is important

Customs authorities in SAARC nations honour this certificate to slash import tariffs, sometimes down to zero. A lower landed cost means a lower MRP, giving you an edge over non-SAFTA exporters. Indian exports under SAFTA are not subject to GST, which keeps cash flows cleaner, and border authorities are trained to recognise and prioritise SAFTA shipments.

What a SAFTA certificate secures

Reduced or zero import duties recognised by customs across SAARC nations.
Pricing competitiveness through a lower landed cost and lower MRP.
No GST on exports, keeping cash flows cleaner.
Legally valid origin proof that avoids disputes or holds over incorrect origin claims.

How it works

How to apply for a SAFTA certificate

We keep the process simple, reliable and straightforward. Here is how you receive your SAFTA certificate of origin.

Consultation and documents

Speak with specialists
Our SAFTA compliance specialists explain the documents and process so you have full confidence before you apply.
Compile the documents
Gather all required documents carefully, as incorrect documentation can cause delays or rejection of approval.

Filing and issuance

Apply and pay fees
The team helps fill out your application and pay the government fees, then submits and follows up on each step.
Verification and approval
Government agencies confirm details and documentation are correct. We help resubmit or correct any discrepancies to avoid rejection.
Issuance of certificate
On approval, the SAFTA certificate is issued in the applicant’s name and can be used to claim tariff concessions when exporting to SAARC members.

Paperwork

Documents required

IEC Code, issued by DGFT
Commercial Invoice of the goods being exported
Purchase Order from the foreign buyer
BRC, the Bank Realisation Certificate
Exporter Declaration, a self-certification on origin
Packing List with itemised details
Manufacturer Declaration on company letterhead
Product Description with HS Code
DSC, the Digital Signature Certificate, with DSC software to digitally sign the application

Lifecycle

Time & validity

Processing time is 2 to 7 working days.
The certificate is valid for 12 months from the date of issue.
Renewal is required for each shipment or after expiry to continue receiving tariff concessions.
Applying on time after expiry ensures continued duty-free or reduced-duty access.

Exporting further afield? See our CE Certification, SASO Certification and UKCA Certification services.

Why us

Why choose Diligence Certifications

Expertise and regulatory knowledge: in-depth understanding of Indian and global compliance regulations.
All compliance in one place: end-to-end certification and regulatory services from BIS, ISO, CDSCO, SAFTA and beyond.
Monitoring regulatory change: proactive tracking of law and policy updates to minimise fines and recalls.
Maximum reach across India: presence across all major cities and industrial hubs.
Proven results: over 10,000 certifications and a trusted partner for startups, SMEs and large enterprises.

Ready to apply for your SAFTA certificate?

Talk to our SAFTA experts for a consultation and priority processing. We handle documentation, eligibility checks, submission and follow up for the fastest, most accurate issuance.

Get a free consultation

Official source

Preferential certificates of origin are administered by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT).

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What is a SAFTA Certificate?

A SAFTA Certificate (South Asian Free Trade Area Certificate) is an official document certifying goods that export from one SAARC country to another. It confirms the goods are of Indian origin and eligible for the SAFTA certificate of origin scheme, so the duty is reduced or customs duties are zero. SAFTA stands for South Asia Free Trade Area Certificate.

How do I apply for a SAFTA certificate online?

To complete the SAFTA certificate online, the exporter must first be registered with the DGFT, provide the proper documents, and fill out the application online through the government portal. Diligence Certifications can help arrange the whole procedure.

How long is a SAFTA certificate valid?

The SAFTA certificate is generally valid for 12 months from the date of issue. Exporters must renew it once it expires to keep availing the trade benefits.

Which countries does SAFTA cover?

SAFTA covers the entire SAARC: India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Afghanistan.

How long does processing take and who issues the certificate?

Normal processing time is 2 to 7 working days, depending on the accuracy of your documents and government approval timelines. A SAFTA certificate of origin is issued by agencies authorised under the DGFT, such as the Export Inspection Agency (EIA) and Chambers of Commerce.

Do I need a new certificate for each shipment?

Yes. A new SAFTA certificate is required for each shipment or consignment you intend to export under preferential terms. The key documents include an IEC code, commercial invoice, packing list, Manufacturer Declaration and a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC), among others.

25,000+

Clients served

200+

Certifications

100+

Experts

25+

Years

Why Diligence

Why choose Diligence Certification?

For compliance and credibility, Diligence is much more than a checklist - we give you real confidence in your business. We examine your legal, financial and operational status, so you are not just certified, but trusted.

Stronger risk protection

Spot hidden legal, financial or operational risks early - fix problems before they become threats.

Earn stakeholder trust

From investors to customers, people want to work with businesses that play by the rules.

Stay legally aligned

Compliant not just on products but on labour, environmental and tax laws too.

Enhance brand reputation

Show the world you operate with integrity and transparency.

Stand out from competitors

In a crowded market, credibility is your biggest edge.

24×7 expert support

A 100+ strong service team guiding you at every step, free first consultation.

Real sites, real certifications

Our teams work inside factories and plants across India and abroad - inspections, audits and certification milestones spanning BIS, global schemes and the full compliance stack you see on this site.