Updated on May 06, 2025 02:36:56 PM
The India-Mauritius Comprehensive Economic Cooperation and Partnership Agreement (IMCECPA) is one of the most profound trade treaties that has boosted the bilateral trade between India and Mauritius. Signed on February 22, 2021, this is the first of India’s Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the African nation to lend more opportunities in trade, investment, and economic cooperation. As indicated in the latest updates of the India-Mauritius trade, several products and services produced in the two countries have been granted duty-free access, thus increasing trade flow. Besides, it has strengthened the diplomatic relations of both nations, India and Mauritius, focusing on their historical and cultural bonds based on trade. It also helps in diversifying the India-Africa trade relations as it identifies the island nation as a financial center for the entire African region.
On this basis, it is important to understand specifically how IMCECPA benefits Indian exporters. It offers preferential market access to several Mauritian products, especially in the textile, pharmaceutical, and engineering goods industries that have experienced remarkable expansion. Major sectors that stand to benefit from the new India-Mauritius CECPA are ICT, financial services, healthcare, education, and other sectors. Also, the India-Mauritius CECPA opens up opportunities for startups and emerging MSMEs, enabling new ventures to enter overseas markets by reducing trade barriers. Mauritius is one of the oldest financial centers of the world.
The coming years look promising for the India-Mauritius trade in 2025 due to the ongoing negotiations for the improvement in trade facilitation. It would help India get more investment in infrastructure, technology, and innovation that could enable the country to enhance its economic coverage in the region.
IMCECPA stands for India-Mauritius Comprehensive Economic Cooperation and Partnership Agreement and is a trading agreement aimed primarily at developing and enhancing the cooperation between India and Mauritius. It was signed on February 22, 2021. As one of the leading trading hubs in Africa, Mauritius offers a wide and excellent prospect for Indians to invest in fields such as financial and digital services trade. The India-Mauritius treaty is advantageous for the enhancement of trade flows between India and Mauritius by improving the business. Over time, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) between India and Mauritius has gradually increased, particularly in the information technology, healthcare, and fintech sectors.
Here are some key benefits of the India-Mauritius Comprehensive Economic Cooperation and Partnership Agreement (IMCECPA):
The India-Mauritius Comprehensive Economic Cooperation and Partnership Agreement (IMCECPA) covers a wide range of sectors to enhance bilateral trade and economic cooperation. Here are the key sectors covered:
The procedure for IMCECPA registration involves several steps to ensure exporters can access the trade benefits under the agreement. Below is a step-by-step process for obtaining the Certificate of Origin under IMCECPA:
Obtain a valid Class III Digital Signature Certificate linked to your IEC. This is essential for submitting applications electronically on the DGFT e-platform.
Visit https://coo.dgft.gov.in and register using your IEC, email ID, and mobile number. Make sure your IEC details are updated before proceeding.
Log in to the Certificate of Origin (CoO) platform, complete the application form, attach all necessary documents, and e-sign using your DSC. Submit for processing.
The application is reviewed by the designated authority. If all details and documents are verified correctly, the application will be approved for certificate issuance.
Once approved, the Certificate of Origin is issued electronically via the platform. It can also be downloaded or printed in paper format if required by following the portal's instructions.
The following documents are required for registration under the India-Mauritius Comprehensive Economic Cooperation and Partnership Agreement (IMCECPA):
The bilateral trade and investment promotion and cooperation of the IMCECPA focuses on the trade balance of India and Mauritius. It also stands out from other trade measures since it enhances digital trade, financial services trade, and tax measures. This has made Mauritius a key trading hub in Africa, seen as a profitable investment opportunity for both Indian industries and Mauritius. IMCECPA contributes to their economic development through the improvement of export and import activities between the two nations as well as opening up the African market for India via Mauritius.
The total cost for IMCECPA registration is ₹6,235, which includes the government fee, registration, application, and professional charges. Here is the detailed fee structure:
| Particulars | Amount |
|---|---|
| Government fee | ₹736 |
| One-time registration fee | ₹500 |
| Application fee | ₹2,000 |
| 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. Exporters must renew the certificate annually to continue availing benefits under the IMCECPA agreement.
Conclusion
India’s trade relations with Mauritius are well enhanced with the signing of a strategic trade agreement known as the India-Mauritius Comprehensive Economic Cooperation and Partnership Agreement (IMCECPA). It offers better treatment in the market, erases barriers, and assists the IT, healthcare, and financial sectors. Mauritius is a gateway to Africa, and therefore, entry to the country is relatively easy for Indian companies. To kickstart your journey to a new employment opportunity in the foreign markets, consult Professional Utilities. Our experts will guide you at each step for your IMCECPA Certificate registration. IMCECPA can also serve to enhance the volume of exports and imports between the two countries as well as investment flow between India and Mauritius and create prospects for business.
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)
The India-Mauritius Comprehensive Economic Cooperation and Partnership Agreement (IMCECPA) is a trade agreement that grants favorable conditions for the import/export of goods, services, and investment between both countries.
India has established CEPA with the UAE, South Korea, Japan, and Mauritius to liberalize trade and encourage economic cooperation and investment in the partner countries.
Yes, India and Mauritius have CECPA, resulting in a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) that offers several preferential measures on all sorts of goods and services in enhancing bilateral trade and investments.
Trade agreements are of two categories: bilateral and multilateral. A free trade agreement is an accord based on international law that creates free trade among the contracting states.
Yes, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) can apply for the IMCECPA Certificate. The agreement provides opportunities for businesses of all sizes to expand and trade in the Mauritius market, which acts as a gateway to Africa.
The Certificate of Origin (CoO) issued under IMCECPA is valid for the duration of the specific shipment’s customs clearance process. It is typically valid until the shipment is cleared at the destination port.
Yes, IMCECPA offers preferential market access for various services from India, including in sectors like IT, healthcare, education, and financial services, thus promoting cross-border service trade.
Since the IMCECPA Certificate is usually issued for individual shipments, there is no renewal required. However, businesses must apply for a new Certificate of Origin for each shipment they wish to export under IMCECPA.
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