The Government of India has invited applications from eligible importers for the allocation of import quotas for 30 products under the India–Oman Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) for the 2026–27 financial year. The move enables importers to avail duty concessions on a range of Omani products covered under the bilateral trade pact, which came into force on June 1, 2026.
According to the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), quota-based tariff concessions will be available for products including dates, marble, copper weld wire, aluminium ingots, aluminium billets and wires, as well as several petrochemical products such as ethylene glycol, linear alkylbenzenes and low-density polyethylene (LDPE). Importers receiving quota allocations will be eligible to import these products at reduced or zero customs duties, depending on the product category.
The application process is intended to ensure transparent allocation of tariff-rate quotas (TRQs) under the CEPA framework. Importers must submit their applications within the notified timeline, after which the government will allocate quotas based on the prescribed eligibility criteria and procedures. The concessions are expected to lower import costs for Indian industries that rely on these raw materials while ensuring orderly implementation of the trade agreement.
The India–Oman CEPA marks a significant milestone in bilateral economic relations, providing India with duty-free access to nearly all Omani tariff lines while offering Oman preferential access to the Indian market for selected products. The agreement is expected to boost bilateral trade, strengthen supply chains, attract investments and deepen cooperation across manufacturing, petrochemicals, metals, agriculture and services.
Industry stakeholders believe the latest quota allocation exercise will help businesses take full advantage of the preferential tariff regime under the CEPA, improve sourcing efficiency and enhance trade flows between the two countries. The initiative also reflects India’s continued efforts to operationalise recently concluded trade agreements and expand economic engagement with key partners in the Gulf region.
