Does split-system air conditioners qualify for India–UAE CEPA?

Yes, if it meets the Annex 3B Product-Specific Rule "CTH + VA 40% (CEPA Annex 3B Product-Specific Rule; tariff-shift AND value addition both required).": it must BOTH change tariff classification (CTH) AND add at least 40% regional value content — both conditions are required, not either/or.

What proof is needed at import?

A preferential Certificate of Origin filed through eCoO 2.0, presented at customs before clearance. Without it, the 20% MFN duty applies.

Rules of Origin for split-system air conditioners — Dubai (UAE) to India

HS 84151010 · AIR CONDITIONING MACHINES · Rules of Origin & preferential rate

Data last updated: 4 July 2026 · 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: CTH Annex 3B rule set at chapter level — it covers the whole chapter, not this code alone
MFN → CEPA basic duty: 20% → 10%

Rule of Origin (CEPA Annex 3B, primary source): CTH + 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 split-system air conditioners (HS 84151010), the goods must qualify as UAE-originating. The Product-Specific Rule (Annex 3B) is "CTH + VA 40% (CEPA Annex 3B Product-Specific Rule; tariff-shift AND value addition both required)": the goods must undergo a change of tariff heading (CTH) 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. Split-system air conditioners are a high-value UAE-sourced line, but the CEPA benefit is a reduction, not elimination: the schedule cuts the basic duty part-way and then holds it at a floor, so this line never reaches zero and a contract priced on eventual duty-free entry is built on a misreading. On an 18% IGST base the remaining duty still adds up, so model the landed cost on the floor rate rather than an assumed path to zero. ACs also carry BIS certification and BEE star-rating labelling, which apply regardless of origin and are frequently the binding constraint on a launch, plus E-Waste producer registration. The 40% value-content rule is hard to meet on assembly of imported compressors and coils. Check whether the specific model's HS leaf shares this treatment before pricing. A valid Certificate of Origin filed through the eCoO 2.0 system must accompany the shipment; without it, customs charges the 20% 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 split-system air conditioners qualify for India–UAE CEPA?: Yes, if it meets the Annex 3B Product-Specific Rule "CTH + VA 40% (CEPA Annex 3B Product-Specific Rule; tariff-shift AND value addition both required).": it must BOTH change tariff classification (CTH) AND add at least 40% regional value content — both conditions are required, not either/or.
What is the Rule of Origin for split-system air conditioners?: Per CEPA Annex 3B: CTH + 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 20% MFN duty applies.