AIFTA tariff 2026: preferential import duty & C/O

ASEAN – India Free Trade Agreement

IndiaASEAN (member states)
Quick facts
Effective for Vietnam
01/06/2010
Members
India, ASEAN (member states)
C/O form
AI (paper)
Import side: India’s competent authorities (Export Inspection Council and authorised bodies) / the exporting ASEAN country; Vietnamese exports: issued via eCoSys
Legal basis
Decree 122/2022/NĐ-CP (special preferential import tariff, 2022–2027)
Circular 15/2010/TT-BCT (consolidated text 10/VBHN-BCT, 2024)
7,574/9,044 tariff lines at 0%

Top HS codes with the biggest duty savings under AIFTA

HS codeDescriptionMFNAIFTADifference
85434000Electronic cigarettes and similar personal electric vaporising devices50%0%−50 pts
63101010Used or new rags50%5%−45 pts
63101090Other50%5%−45 pts
63109010Used or new rags50%5%−45 pts
63109090Other50%5%−45 pts
22086000Vodka45%0%−45 pts
69051000Roofing tiles45%5%−40 pts
69059000Other45%5%−40 pts
69072121Paving, hearth or wall tiles, unglazed45%5%−40 pts
69072122Other, unglazed45%5%−40 pts

Based on the 2026 tariff schedule, excluding quota-restricted lines. Data is for reference only.

Does your shipment qualify for AIFTA?

Have an Avenir expert check the rules of origin & C/O form - free of charge.

Rules of origin to know

  • AIFTA’s general rule is stricter than most FTAs: RVC 35% AND a change of 6-digit subheading (CTSH) - BOTH must be met simultaneously.
  • India is not an RCEP member - AIFTA is the main preference channel for Indian goods (pharma ingredients, cotton, seafood, chemicals).
  • An upgrade (AITIGA) is under negotiation - the current rules remain those of Circular 15/2010/TT-BCT.

Steps to claim AIFTA preferential duty

  1. 1
    Determine the 8-digit HS code

    Use Avenir’s HS lookup tool or ask an expert.

  2. 2
    Compare the AIFTA rate vs MFN

    AIFTA’s phase-down is slower than other FTAs - check the specific line before expecting 0%.

  3. 3
    Check the dual criterion RVC 35% + CTSH

    Ask the Indian exporter to confirm BOTH criteria are met - this is the most common Form AI error.

  4. 4
    Declare the C/O on the declaration

    Declare at clearance; 1-year supplementary window under Circular 33/2023/TT-BTC.

Post-clearance audit risks & common mistakes

Meeting only one of the two origin criteria

AIFTA requires RVC 35% AND CTSH simultaneously - suppliers used to the "either/or" rule of other FTAs often state the criterion wrongly, leading to rejection at audit.

Expecting 0% like other FTAs

Many AIFTA lines are only partially reduced on a long schedule - compare with MFN before committing a sales price.

Frequently asked questions about AIFTA

What is special about AIFTA’s origin rules?
A dual criterion: goods must both reach 35% regional value content and undergo a 6-digit subheading change. It is the strictest rulebook among Vietnam’s FTAs - vet the seller’s C/O carefully before relying on it.
Do Indian goods have any preference option other than AIFTA?
No - India is not in RCEP or CPTPP, so AIFTA is the only preferential channel for goods imported directly from India.
Where do I look up 2026 AIFTA rates?
The 2022–2027 schedule is promulgated in Decree 122/2022/NĐ-CP - look up your HS code on Avenir’s tool.
Can a Form AI be submitted late?
Yes, within 1 year from the declaration registration date under Circular 33/2023/TT-BTC.

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