India-EFTA TEPA: 6 Months In — Why Only 30% of Eligible Trade Claims Preference

The India-EFTA TEPA provides immediate 0% duty on most Indian manufactured goods entering the combined EFTA market. Switzerland alone has a USD 800B GDP and is home to Novartis, Roche, ABB, and 200+ multinational headquarters that buy Indian goods. Yet preliminary data suggests only 30% of eligible India-EFTA trade is claiming TEPA preferential rates.

Why the utilisation gap exists: (1) Awareness — many Indian exporters are unaware that TEPA is in force; (2) COO process — TEPA requires a specific DGFT-authorised Certificate of Origin, different from standard chamber COO; (3) Swiss importer awareness — Swiss importers must present the COO at Swiss customs to claim 0% duty; (4) Rules of origin documentation — substantiating 35% India value addition requires cost breakdown records that many MSMEs do not maintain.

Fix in three steps: Register with your sector EPC (PHARMEXCIL, EEPC, FIEO) and obtain RCMC. Brief your Swiss, Norwegian, or Icelandic importer to present the TEPA COO at customs. Prepare manufacturing cost records showing India value addition. The USD 100B EFTA investment commitment makes EFTA an important long-term bilateral relationship — start claiming your TEPA benefits today.