Free Trade Agreements (FTA)

FTA Advisory
Advisory Services

Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) play a critical role in enabling businesses to access international markets with reduced or zero customs duties, preferential market access, and improved trade competitiveness. India has entered into multiple FTAs and Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPAs) with key global economies, creating significant opportunities for exporters and importers. However, effectively utilising FTA benefits requires a clear understanding of rules of origin (RoO), tariff schedules, product eligibility, and documentation requirements such as Certificates of Origin (CoO). Many businesses are unable to fully leverage FTAs due to complexities in compliance and lack of structured advisory. Shangrila Corporate Services Pvt Ltd provides end-to-end advisory to help businesses identify applicable FTAs, evaluate eligibility, ensure compliance with rules of origin, and maximise duty savings under preferential trade agreements.

Overview

What are Free Trade Agreements (FTAs)?

Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) are international agreements between two or more countries that aim to reduce or eliminate tariffs, simplify trade procedures, and promote cross-border trade.

Under FTAs, eligible goods can be traded at preferential duty rates, subject to compliance with specific rules such as origin criteria and documentation requirements.

India's FTAs are implemented under the framework governed by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade in coordination with customs and trade authorities.

Key Service Highlights
  • Reduced or zero customs duties on eligible products
  • Improved competitiveness in international markets
  • Access to new export markets under preferential trade terms
  • Cost savings on imports through concessional duty rates
  • Strategic supply chain optimisation
Advisory Note

Structured advisory helps evaluate eligibility, prepare accurate documentation, and reduce execution risk while pursuing available trade policy benefits.

Suitable For

Who Should Consider FTA Advisory?

This advisory is most relevant for businesses that need eligibility clarity, documentation accuracy, and practical support through the scheme lifecycle.

Exporters targeting markets with FTA benefits

Importers seeking concessional duty under trade agreements

Manufacturers with global supply chains

Businesses expanding into new international markets

Key Benefits

Key Benefits of FTA Advisory

Structured implementation can help improve cost efficiency, reduce procedural risk, and support better trade outcomes.

01

Reduced or zero customs duties on eligible products

02

Improved competitiveness in international markets

03

Access to new export markets under preferential trade terms

04

Cost savings on imports through concessional duty rates

05

Strategic supply chain optimisation

Process

How FTA Advisory Works

A practical workflow for evaluating eligibility, preparing documentation, submitting applications, and managing follow-through.

01

Identification of applicable FTA for a specific trade transaction

02

Determination of product eligibility under tariff schedules

03

Evaluation of Rules of Origin (RoO) compliance

04

Procurement of Certificate of Origin (CoO)

05

Claiming preferential duty benefits at the time of import/export

Common Pitfalls

Common Challenges Businesses Face

These issues often lead to delays, missed benefits, documentation gaps, or unnecessary compliance exposure.

Difficulty identifying applicable FTAs for specific products

Complex rules of origin requirements

Errors in documentation, including Certificates of Origin

Risk of rejection of preferential duty claims

Lack of clarity on tariff schedules and product coverage

Professional advisory helps businesses avoid compliance risks and maximise FTA benefits

Our Services

Our Approach to FTA Advisory

End-to-end advisory support focused on eligibility, documentation, filing, compliance, and benefit optimisation.

FTA Mapping & Opportunity Assessment

Identification of relevant FTAs for your products and markets.

Rules of Origin (RoO) Advisory

Evaluation of origin criteria and compliance requirements

Product Eligibility Analysis

Assessment of tariff benefits applicable to specific products

Documentation Support

Guidance on Certificates of Origin and related documentation

Compliance & Risk Advisory

Support in ensuring adherence to FTA regulations and avoiding disputes.

Documentation

Documents Required to Get Started

Share these documents with our team so we can assess eligibility and begin structuring the advisory process.

Import Export Code (IEC)

Product HS classification

Bill of materials (for origin determination)

Export/import transaction details

Supplier and sourcing information

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

A Free Trade Agreement is a pact between countries to reduce or eliminate tariffs and promote trade.
By accessing reduced duty rates and preferential market access.
They determine whether a product qualifies for preferential treatment under an FTA.
Yes, it is generally required to claim preferential duty benefits.
Professional guidance helps ensure compliance and maximisation of benefits.
Why SCS

Why Work with Shangrila Corporate Services

We help businesses maximise trade benefits and strengthen international competitiveness.

Expertise in international trade regulations and FTA frameworks

Experience in assisting exporters and importers with trade optimisation

Structured approach to compliance and documentation

Practical advisory for businesses expanding global operations

Get Expert Advisory

Unlock Global Trade Opportunities with FTAs

Identify FTA opportunities for your business Ensure compliance with rules of origin Maximise duty savings under trade agreements

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No commitment | Expert consultation