Rules of Origin for self-tapping screws of iron or steel — Dubai (UAE) to India
HS 73181400 · 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 self-tapping screws of iron or steel (HS 73181400), 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. Self-tapping screws are consumed in enormous volume by construction, roofing, appliance assembly and electrical work. CEPA removes the full 15% basic duty. The 40% value-content rule tests where the wire was drawn and the screw formed and heat-treated; regional distribution of Asian fasteners does not qualify, and this trade is dominated by exactly that. Steel products also fall under the Steel Quality Control Orders, which require BIS certification of the producing mill — a consignment from an uncertified mill is refused clearance whatever its origin status, so the mill question has to be answered before the preference question and conveniently answers both. Coating and corrosion-resistance claims are contractual and audited by the buyer rather than customs. Because fastener consignments are high-count and low-value per piece, the practical discipline is a standing manufacturer declaration and a routine Certificate of Origin rather than per-order negotiation; the annual saving on a fastener programme is considerable. 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 self-tapping 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 self-tapping 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.