India, Mauritius to Discuss Expanded Product Coverage Under CECPA
High Powered Joint Trade Committee to review market access, non-tariff barriers and trade-related issues from October 7
India and Mauritius are set to discuss the possibility of expanding preferential market access for additional products under the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation and Partnership Agreement (CECPA), which came into force in April 2021. The two countries will also discuss non-tariff barriers and other trade-related concerns at the second meeting of the India-Mauritius High Powered Joint Trade Committee (HPJTC), beginning October 7.
Additional products on trade agenda
The three-day HPJTC meeting will be led by senior officials from India and Mauritius. According to an official tracking the development, the discussions will review trade flows under the CECPA, examine trade-related impediments and possible solutions, assess ongoing trade in local currencies and review progress on decisions taken during the first HPJTC session in 2022.
Expanding market access for additional products is expected to be a key focus of the meeting. The CECPA currently provides preferential market access for 310 Indian products in Mauritius and 615 Mauritian products in India.
“There is a lot of scope for Indian exporters to seek preferential access beyond the products currently covered by the agreement. The Commerce Department has sought inputs from the industry on this,” the source said.
Textiles among products covered by preferential duties
The Indian product lines receiving preferential duties under the agreement include food and beverages, agricultural products, textiles and textile articles, base metals, electrical and electronic products, plastics and chemicals, wood products and other categories.
Mauritian products receiving increased market access include frozen fish, speciality sugar, biscuits, fresh fruits, juices, mineral water, beer and other alcoholic beverages, soaps, bags, medical and surgical equipment and apparel.
“India could benefit from preferential market access for more items under the categories already included as well as inclusion of newer sectors. While industry inputs have been sought, the Commerce Department is also holding inter-Ministerial discussions,” the source said.
India-Mauritius trade diversification
India’s exports to Mauritius increased from $442 million in FY21 to $473.64 million in FY26, although the increase was marginal following implementation of the CECPA. According to the government, the agreement has contributed to diversification in the products exported to Mauritius.
“Indian exporters have so far obtained 1,956 Certificates of Origin to avail preferential tariffs under the CECPA. The number of HS 8-digit tariff lines exported to Mauritius rose from 3,593 in FY22, before the agreement, to 4,345 in FY26, with exports across these lines valued at about $473 million,” a Commerce Department statement noted.
Non-tariff barriers and standards also to be discussed
The two sides are also expected to examine trade-related impediments and possible measures to improve market access.
“To enhance bilateral cooperation on standardisation, conformity assessment, and technical trade barriers under the CECPA, discussions on an amended MoU between the Mauritius Standards Bureau and the Bureau of Indian Standards as well as bilateral recognition arrangement on equivalence in sanitary and phytosanitary matters are likely,” the source said.
The meeting is also expected to cover the Agreement on Cooperation and Mutual Administrative Assistance in Customs Matters and the need for a mutual recognition agreement for professional bodies.
The discussions are aimed at reviewing the implementation of the CECPA and identifying areas where trade access and bilateral commercial cooperation can be further expanded.