Trade between India and the United States has always been big, but recent changes have made things harder. The USA has introduced high tariffs on many Indian products. For example, items like steel, textiles, auto parts, and chemicals can now face extra duties of up to 50 percent when they go directly from India to the USA.
But here is the good news. There is a legal way to reduce or avoid these tariffs, and many smart Indian manufacturers are already doing it. The solution is to use Dubai as a hub. By setting up in the UAE and getting a UAE Certificate of Origin, Indian manufacturers can export their goods to the USA without facing those extra duties.
At CSPzone, we have already helped Indian companies in textiles, automotive parts, cosmetics, food, chemicals, and electronics restructure their export routes through Dubai. Let me explain everything in simple language so that you understand exactly how this works.
A Certificate of Origin is a document that proves where a product was made. It is issued by the Dubai Chamber of Commerce or a Free Zone authority. Customs officers in the importing country check this certificate to decide what tariff or duty applies.
If your product has a UAE Certificate of Origin, then the USA will treat it as a UAE product. This is how exporters can legally save money on tariffs.
This is where many people make a mistake. The UAE will not issue a Certificate of Origin if you only bring goods from India, keep them in a warehouse, and then re-export them. Simply routing the shipment through Dubai is not enough.
To get a valid Certificate of Origin, some part of the manufacturing or processing must take place in the UAE. This can include:
1. Assembly work
2. Additional manufacturing steps
3. Branding, packaging, or labeling
4. Finishing or quality control processes
As long as there is a genuine change in the product and value addition happens in Dubai, you can qualify for a UAE Certificate of Origin. Without this, your goods will still be considered Indian origin, and you will face the same tariffs.
The USA has recently placed tariffs on many Indian products. Industries affected include:
1. Steel and aluminum products
2. Textiles and apparel
3. Auto parts and machinery
4. Chemicals and plastics
5. Electronics and industrial goods
For example, if you export auto components directly from India, you may now pay 40–50 percent extra duty. That makes your product too costly compared to competitors from other countries.
By moving part of the process to Dubai, adding value, and getting a UAE Certificate of Origin, you can legally avoid these tariffs. This is why so many Indian exporters are opening small facilities in Dubai.
You can apply in two ways:
A. Dubai Chamber of Commerce – if you have a mainland company.
B. Free Zone Authority – if you are registered in a Free Zone.
The process usually involves:
1. Submitting invoices and packing lists
2. Showing customs clearance papers
3. Providing proof of value addition in Dubai
4. Paying a small fee
Once approved, the certificate is issued and your goods are officially UAE origin.
Both Mainland and Free Zone setups are available. The choice depends on your business model.
1. Registered with Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET)
2. Allows direct trading in UAE market
3. Certificate of Origin issued by Dubai Chamber
1. Located in JAFZA, DMCC, RAKEZ, or other zones
2. 100% foreign ownership
3. Easy re-export system
4. Certificate of Origin issued by Free Zone Authority
At CSPzone, we look at your product type and target market before advising which option will benefit you most.
Let us break it down into very clear steps:
Choose Mainland or Free Zone. Get your trade license. This is your legal base.
Depending on your product, approvals may be needed from:
Dubai Municipality (for food, cosmetics, consumer goods)
ESMA (electronics, appliances)
Health Authority (medical, pharma products)
This could be a small assembly, finishing, or packaging facility. This is where the value addition happens, which is key to getting the Certificate of Origin.
Ship your raw or semi-finished goods into Dubai. Clear them into your Free Zone or Mainland warehouse.
Do some real work on the goods in Dubai. Even a mix of assembly, branding, labeling, or finishing can qualify.
Submit all proof to the Dubai Chamber or Free Zone authority. Once checked, they issue your UAE Certificate of Origin.
Now your goods are officially UAE origin. Ship them to the USA and avoid the new tariffs.
Using Dubai as a base brings other advantages too:
1. Lower Taxes – Many Free Zones still allow 0% corporate tax for exporters.
2. World-class Logistics – Dubai has one of the best ports and airports for shipping worldwide.
3. Re-export Hub – From Dubai, you can also sell to Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.
4. Better Reputation – Buyers often trust UAE-origin products more than Indian-origin products.
1. Do not try to only change paperwork. UAE will not issue a certificate without real product changes.
2. Do not skip proper company registration. A valid trade license is mandatory.
3. Do not ignore required product approvals. Authorities in Dubai are strict about compliance.
At CSPzone, we specialize in helping Indian companies restructure their exports. We guide you from start to finish:
1. Choosing the right setup – Mainland or Free Zone
2. Getting the correct trade license
3. Securing all product approvals
4. Setting up warehouse or small unit for value addition
5. Applying for the Certificate of Origin correctly
We have worked with manufacturers in textiles, steel, jewellery, auto parts, cosmetics, and electronics. Every business is different, and we design the process around your needs.
The US tariffs have created challenges for Indian exporters, but there is a way forward. Dubai offers a legal and smart route. By doing part of your manufacturing or processing in the UAE, you can get a Certificate of Origin and export to the USA as UAE goods.
At CSPzone, we have already helped many Indian manufacturers make this shift. If you want to protect your exports, save on tariffs, and expand into new markets, reach out to us. We will handle the setup and paperwork, while you focus on growing your business.
