IMPTA Registration

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    India-Mercosur PTA Registration - Procedure, Documents and Fees

    The India-Mercosur Preferential Trade Agreement, also known as IMPTA is a landmark for business that require entry into the Latin American market. This preferential trade agreement between India and MERCOSUR (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay) is a significant part in enhancing and expanding the cooperation between India and South America by lowering taxes, eradicating trade barriers, and creating easier access to the markets of both regions for a wide range of products.
    For Indian exporters and importers, this agreement has benefits in the following aspects as it offers an opportunity for business to export to Brazil and Argentina from India. It also focuses on the sectors having high demand in the global markets like pharmaceuticals, textiles, automobiles, chemicals, agriculture, etc. As the India-MERCOSUR 2025 preferential trade agreement progresses, the focus remains on improving trade policies, reducing taxes, and increasing competitiveness in Latin American markets.
    For those who are interested in expanding their business internationally, it is important to understand the requirements of registration, eligibility and compliance for the IMPTA. Whether you are a manufacturer, exporter or importer, it is always important that you stay updated with opportunities existing in Indian trade in Latin America. Below is the detailed information about the India-Mercosur PTA as well as the registration process, eligiblity, main advantages, and procedures to enter successfully into the South America markets.

    Table of Content

    What is India-Mercosur Preferential Trade Agreement (IMPTA)?

    The India-Mercosur Preferential Trade Agreement (IMPTA) started in 2004 and was officially put into action in 2009 to improve trade between India and the Mercosur countries. Through this agreement, Mercosur offers lower taxes on Indian goods, making trade simpler and more affordable for both sides. The IMPTA is important for improving the relationship between India and Mercosur by removing trade barriers and boosting trade. It also provides helpful information for those looking to start exporting to Mercosur countries. The agreement is a key part of growing trade connections and increasing access to markets in Latin America.

    Benefits of IMPTA (India-Mercosur PTA)

    The India-Mercosur Preferential Trade Agreement (IMPTA) offers several benefits. Some of the key advantages include:

    Enhanced Market Access – The India-Mercosur Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) expands opportunities for Indian exporters by reducing tariffs on goods entering the South American market. In return, Mercosur countries benefit from improved access to the Indian market.

    Tariff Reduction & Competitive Pricing – The trade liberalization agreement lowers import duties on both sides, making Indian goods more competitively priced in Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay-and vice versa.
    Diversification of Trade – The agreement enables India to broaden its export destinations beyond the US and EU, with new opportunities in sectors such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, auto components, and textiles.
    Economic Growth & Investment Opportunities – Enhanced trade ties promote bilateral economic growth, foreign direct investment (FDI), and joint ventures, creating jobs and enabling technology transfer between Indian and South American companies.
    Strengthened Bilateral Relations – The successful implementation of the India-Mercosur PTA fosters stronger diplomatic and economic ties, paving the way for potential full free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations in the future.

    Eligibility Criteria for India-Mercosur PTA

    The India-Mercosur Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) establishes concessional tariff rates on various goods traded between India and Mercosur member countries (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay). The eligibility criteria for benefiting from the PTA include:

    Country of Origin Requirement : The goods imported must be manufactured in India or any of the Mercosur countries and must meet the rule of origin.

    Tariff Concessions & Covered Products: This indicates that only the listed formulation products are allowed to enjoy favorably protected tariffs. India has offered exemptions on 452 goods, whereas Mercosur has given on 450.
    Certification of Origin: Exporters must acquire a Certificate of Origin from official bodies, such as the Export Inspection Council.
    Compliance with Domestic Regulations: They have to be compliant with import/export regulations, product quality, and sanitary measures of both countries, namely India and Mercosur.

    List of products under IMPTA Certificate for Argentina

    The India-Mercosur Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) covers a list of 450 products from the Indian side and 452 products from the Mercosur side, with tariff concessions ranging from 10% to 100%.

    India’s Offer List (Exports to Mercosur):
    • Agricultural Products
    • Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals
    • Textiles & Garments
    Engineering Goods
    • Auto Components & Machinery
    • Plastic & Rubber Products
    Mercosur’s Offer List (Exports to India):

    • Agricultural Products

    • Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals

    • Textiles & Leather

    • Industrial & Engineering Goods

    • Plastic & Rubber Products

    Procedure for IMPTA Registration

    To register for the India-MERCOSUR Preferential Trade Agreement (IMPTA) and obtain the necessary Preferential Certificate of Origin (COO) for your exports, follow the steps outlined below:

    Step 1: Obtain a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)

    Any exporter who wishes to register with IMPTA has to use a Digital Signature Certificate

    of Class II or III which contains IEC code. This helps in offering reliable on-line identification as well as confirmation of documents.

    Step 2: Update IEC Details
    The exporter must ensure that IEC details on the DGFT portal are valid and updated before proceeding with the next steps. Following it up with the correct registered email ID and mobile number is a must, as it would help in effective communication as well as authentication.

    Step 3: Registration on Digital Platform
    Any exporter who wants to export their product must visit the https://coo.dgft.gov.in website and get registered by using its IEC (Importer Exporter Code) and DSC (Digital Signature Certificate). Once completed, login credentials are sent to the registered email and mobile number for secure platform access.

    Step 4: Application for Certificate of Origin (COO)
    Exporters must first enter the COO application and apply with the reference “India- MERCOSUR PTA.” They must provide documents such as invoices and shipping details and submit them for validation.

    Documents Required for IMPTA Registration

    To register under the India-MERCOSUR Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA), several documents are required for both importers and exporters. Here is a list of documents required for India Mercosur PTA:

    Wholly obtained or Produced Products:

    1. Importer Exporter Code (IEC)
    2. Pre-purchase Agreement
    3. Certificate of Origin (COO)
    4. Invoice
    5. Registration Certificate with the Textiles Committee (if applicable)

    For exporters, additional documents may include:

    1. Commercial Invoice
    2. Packing List
    3. Bill of Lading/Airway Bill
    4. Export Declaration Form

    IMPTA impact on MSMES & Startups

    The India-Mercosur Preferential Trade Agreement assists MSME and start-ups as they ease tariffs on certain goods and increase exports to Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay. It drives market development and enhances competition and creativity. There may be issues with regard to compliance with some of the Mercosur regulations and high costs of logistics. In general, PTA facilitates more engagement of small businesses in international markets, trade, investment, and employment for growth sectors such as textiles and garments, pharmaceuticals, and auto spare parts.

    Fees for IMPTA Registration

    The total cost for IMPTA registration is ₹6,235, covering a 736 government fee, ₹500 one-time registration fee, ₹2,000 application fee, and ₹2,999 professional fee, ensuring a smooth registration process. Below is the detailed structure:

    Particulars Fees
    Government Fee ₹ 736
    Application Fee ₹ 2000
    One time registration fee ₹ 500
    Professional fee ₹ 2,999
    Total cost of registration ₹ 6,235/- only
    Note: This certificate is generally valid for one year from the date of issuance. After this period, exporters must renew the certificate for continued use in international trade.

    Conclusion

    The India-Mercosur Preferential Trade Agreement was signed so as to provide favorable terms to Indian exporters to enter the Latin American market by lowering the tariff line with Mercosur countries. This treaty fosters trade relations, creates export opportunities, and improves the two countries’ partnership. The IMPTA registration and the preferential Certificate of Origin enable the exporters to benefit from concessions, call for competitiveness, and thus improve on their returns. The eligibility criteria depending on the type of goods and the registration and compliance standards should be clear to conduct trade activities effectively. When it comes to implementing IMPTA certification, Professional Utilities can make the task easier and free from most complications.

    Why Professional Utilities?

    At Professional Utilities, we leverage our industry knowledge and expertise to help businesses navigate complex regulations, minimize risks, and optimize operations for maximum efficiency and profitability.

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    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    What is India-MERCOSUR PTA?

    India-MERCOSUR PTA (Preferential Trade Agreement) is more of a preferential trading arrangement where trade preferences on certain products are granted to both sides, with the partnership being between India and MERCOSUR, a South American common market.

    What is the PTA agreement with India?

    A Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) with India is a trade arrangement whereby participating nations cut simple average tariffs on some exports and imports to enhance trade between two nations.

    Is MERCOSUR a free trade agreement?

    After 25 years of negotiations, the European Union and Mercosur, as the South American group of countries, including Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay, signed the free trade and cooperation agreement.

    What is the difference between PTA and FTA?

    PTA contains some extent of tariff preferences on certain products, while FTA provides non- tariff or minimal tariffs with the member countries.

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