Rules of Origin for machine screws of iron or steel — Dubai (UAE) to India
HS 73181110 · SCREWS · Rules of Origin & preferential rate
Data last updated: · MFN duty & IGST verified against ICEGATE (Indian Customs EDI). Rules of Origin per CEPA Annex 3B. Verify your exact HS line before filing.
- CEPA eligible
- Yes
- Value addition (RVC)
- 40%
- Tariff-classification change
- CTSH Annex 3B rule set at chapter level — it covers the whole chapter, not this code alone
- MFN → CEPA basic duty
- 15% → 0%
Rule of Origin (CEPA Annex 3B, primary source): CTSH + VA 40% (CEPA Annex 3B Product-Specific Rule; tariff-shift AND value addition both required).
Qualifying under the Rules of Origin
To claim the CEPA preference on machine screws of iron or steel (HS 73181110), the goods must qualify as UAE-originating. The Product-Specific Rule (Annex 3B) is "CTSH + VA 40% (CEPA Annex 3B Product-Specific Rule; tariff-shift AND value addition both required)": the goods must undergo a change of tariff sub-heading (CTSH) AND add at least 40% regional value content — both conditions, not either/or. Read that rule for what it is: Annex 3B supplies it at chapter level, so it governs hundreds of eight-digit codes rather than this one. It is the correct rule to apply, and it is also the place to check for a more specific carve-out before committing to a claim. Machine screws are a universal fastener line consumed by every manufacturing and assembly sector in India. CEPA removes the 15% basic duty — a large cut on a commodity component. The 40% regional-value-content rule applies to the cold-formed and threaded part, and much fastener supply through the UAE is Asian production consolidated regionally, which confers no origin at all. Two separate BIS regimes apply here, which is unusual for a fastener: the Steel Quality Control Orders require certification of the producing mill, and certain grades are additionally covered by a quality-control order requiring the overseas manufacturer to hold a Conformity Assessment Scheme licence and mark the goods. Both are obligations on the factory rather than documents the importer can assemble. Given very high unit counts, secure a standing origin declaration from the manufacturer and confirm the mill's BIS status in the same conversation, since a failure on either stops the consignment. A valid Certificate of Origin filed through the eCoO 2.0 system must accompany the shipment; without it, customs charges the 15% MFN rate instead of the preference.
Check your own figures in the Rules of Origin (RVC) qualifier. Qualifying is only half of it — the preference is claimed with a Certificate of Origin, issued in the UAE before shipment or retrospectively within 12 months.
Frequently asked questions
- Does machine screws of iron or steel qualify for India–UAE CEPA?
- Yes, if it meets the Annex 3B Product-Specific Rule "CTSH + VA 40% (CEPA Annex 3B Product-Specific Rule; tariff-shift AND value addition both required).": it must BOTH change tariff classification (CTSH) AND add at least 40% regional value content — both conditions are required, not either/or.
- What is the Rule of Origin for machine screws of iron or steel?
- Per CEPA Annex 3B: CTSH + VA 40% (CEPA Annex 3B Product-Specific Rule; tariff-shift AND value addition both required).. RVC% = [(FOB − value of non-originating materials) / FOB] × 100 (FOB basis).
- What proof is needed at import?
- A preferential Certificate of Origin filed through eCoO 2.0, presented at customs before clearance. Without it, the 15% MFN duty applies.