Global Trade Lexicon

Standardised international system of names and numbers for classifying traded products. Maintained by WCO.

HS codes are 6 digits globally. India uses 8-digit ITC-HS; EU uses 8-digit CN and 10-digit TARIC.

Tariff Integre Communautaire — EU's integrated customs tariff with 10-digit commodity codes and all applicable trade measures.

Indian exporters to EU must check TARIC for correct duty rate, anti-dumping duties, TRQs, and safeguards for their HS code.

EU official customs decision providing a legally binding HS classification of specific goods.

Indian exporters to EU can apply for BTI from any EU member state. Valid 3 years across all EU member states.

Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products — India's WTO-compliant scheme refunding embedded taxes in export goods.

RoDTEP rates: 0.5%-4.3% of FOB value across 8,555 export lines. AJG's RoDTEP Finder calculates applicable rates.

A refund of customs duties paid on imported materials subsequently used in the manufacture of exported goods.

India's Duty Drawback scheme refunds customs duties paid on imported inputs used in manufactured exports.

India customs scheme allowing duty-free import of inputs for manufacture of goods for export.

Indian exporters can import raw materials duty-free under AA. Managed by DGFT.

Export Promotion Capital Goods scheme — duty-free import of capital goods against an export obligation.

Indian manufacturers import EU machinery duty-free under EPCG against commitment to export 6x CIF value over 6 years.

Additional duty on imported goods sold below their normal value (dumped) in the importing country's market.

Indian exporters must check for EU anti-dumping measures on their products. Common for steel, chemicals, ceramics.

Temporary import restriction to protect domestic industry from a sudden import surge causing serious injury.

EU can impose safeguards on Indian goods despite FTA if there is a sudden import surge injuring EU industry.

Additional import duty to offset subsidies provided by the exporting country's government.

EU has imposed CVDs on Indian solar panels. Be aware of India export subsidy schemes that may attract CVD.

The primary customs valuation basis under WTO rules — the price actually paid or payable for goods sold for export.

Transaction value (invoice price + freight + insurance to EU port = CIF value) is the standard customs valuation method.

Trusted trader status granted by customs authorities to businesses meeting compliance, security, and reliability standards.

Indian AEO exporters benefit from faster EU customs clearance. EU AEO importers benefit from reduced examination.

Customs procedure allowing goods to be imported duty-free for processing, provided finished goods are re-exported.

EU manufacturers using Indian raw materials for processing and re-export can use IPR to avoid duty on Indian inputs.

Customs procedure allowing goods to be imported duty-free for a specific purpose and time, on condition they are re-exported.

Indian goods displayed at EU trade fairs can use temporary admission under ATA Carnet.

International customs document allowing temporary importation of goods into multiple countries without payment of import duties.

Indian exporters using EU trade fairs (Hannover Messe, Ambiente) use ATA Carnet for samples and display goods.

Goods stored in an approved facility without payment of import duties until later declared for a customs procedure.

EU importers of large Indian shipments use customs warehousing to defer duty payment until goods are distributed.

A designated area where goods may be imported, stored, or manufactured free from most customs duties.

Jebel Ali FTZ (UAE), Singapore FTZ, and Nhava Sheva FTZ are relevant for India-EU-UAE triangular trade.

Designated areas where businesses operate under more liberal regulations including customs duty exemptions.

Indian SEZ units export without payment of Indian customs duties. 200+ SEZs in India.

Mandatory 10-digit identification number issued by DGFT required for any import or export from India.

IEC is the very first requirement for any Indian exporter. Available online from DGFT portal in 2-3 working days.

The primary export document filed by the Indian exporter with Indian Customs at the port of export.

Filed before goods are examined and cleared for export. Types: Drawback, DEPB, FOB, ex-bond.

The primary import document filed by an importer with Indian customs at the port of import.

EU goods entering India require a Bill of Entry. Types: Home Consumption, Warehousing, Ex-Bond.

The uniform tariff rate applied by all EU member states to goods from non-member countries.

EU CET is the tariff India faces for non-FTA goods. India-EU FTA will eliminate CET on qualifying Indian goods.

A facility allowing trade parties to submit information through a single entry point to fulfil import/export requirements.

India's ICEGATE single window reduces export clearance time. EU UCC requires single window by 2025.

Higher tariff rates on processed goods than on raw materials, discouraging industrialisation in developing countries.

EU tariff escalation: raw cotton (0%) → yarn (3%) → fabric (8%) → garments (12%). Affects Indian textile exports.

Customs valuation using the price at the first sale (manufacturer to trader) rather than the last sale.

Useful for Indian manufacturers selling to EU via intermediary — can lower the customs value and reduce import duties.

Indian Customs Electronic Data Interchange Gateway — India's national customs portal for shipping bills and bills of entry.

Indian exporters and customs brokers file all export/import documentation through ICEGATE.

A financial guarantee provided by an importer or their agent to customs authorities ensuring payment of duties.

EU importers may need customs bonds for Indian goods under temporary admission or customs warehousing.