COMPREHENSIVE ECONOMIC AND TRADE AGREEMENT (CETA)
India–United Kingdom CETA� Implementation Roadmap
A comprehensive operational guide detailing shortlisted flag-off products, customs tariff slashes, rules of origin, and key administrative authorities active from 15th July 2026.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
Signed Date 24th July 2025
Effective Date 15th July 2026 (Live Operation)
Target Bilateral Trade USD 112 Billion by 2030
The Inaugural Day-1 Flag-Off Ceremony July 15, 2026
INDIA-UK CETA CORRIDOR
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To mark the historic entry into force of the CETA, nationwide flagging-off ceremonies are activated today, facilitating immediate preference-backed cargo shipments.
Multi-Modal Hubs: Launch operations synchronized across major deep-water ports (JNPT, Mundra, Chennai) for ocean freight.
Regional SEZs & ICDs: Instant clear-channel customs clearances deployed at prominent Special Economic Zones and Inland Container Depots.
Day-1 Pref-Access: Shipping bills are stamped with formal preferential origin credentials, securing immediate zero-duty landings in the UK market.
Why the India–UK CETA Matters
India's first trade pact with the UK — a historic milestone in bilateral trade diplomacy
The India–UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), signed on 24 July 2025 and operational from 15 July 2026, marks a historic milestone in India's trade diplomacy — unlocking duty-free access for Indian exporters, expanding consumer choice, and strengthening India's macroeconomic and workforce mobility gains with the UK.
24 Jul 2025
CETA Signed
15 Jul 2026
Enters Into Force
2030
Trade target: $112B
Exporters
~99% tariff lines duty-free
Consumers
Cheaper premium UK goods
Economy
Trade to double by 2030
Professionals
5-yr social security relief
Overview
India–UK CETA | In force from 15 July 2026
Major Benefits for Indian Exporters
Immediate duty savings dismantle historical trade barriers
99%
of India's tariff lines now duty-free
~100%
of current bilateral trade value covered
Peak tariffs eliminated, sector-wise (previous duty, %)
Gems & Jewellery: up to 4% → 0%
Base Metals: up to 10% → 0%
Organic Chemicals & Pharma: up to 8% → 0%
Precision Engineering: up to 18% → 0%
Exporter Benefits
India–UK CETA | In force from 15 July 2026
Impact of India–UK CETA on Kandla SEZ
Sector-wise duty elimination unlocks new competitiveness for Kandla Special Economic Zone exporters
Textile & Garment
Prev. duty up to 12% → 0% now
Sharper cost edge for Kandla's garment & made-up export units in the UK market
Leather & Footwear
Prev. duty up to 16% → 0% now
Stronger margins for leather and footwear units shipping via Kandla port
Gems & Jewellery
Prev. duty up to 4% → 0% now
Improved price competitiveness for SEZ jewellery and gem-processing exporters
Engineering & Auto Parts
Prev. duty up to 18% → 0% now
Fresh UK demand potential for precision engineering & auto component units
Agro & Processed Foods
Prev. duty up to 70% → 0% now
Major relief for processed food, tea & spice exporters based in the zone
Organic Chemicals & Pharma
Prev. duty up to 8% → 0% now
Lower landed costs for pharma and chemical export units in Kandla SEZ
Kandla SEZ Impact
India–UK CETA | In force from 15 July 2026
Designated Registering Authorities (RAs) under CETA
Exporters must register and apply for preferential Certificate of Origin (CoO) through these designated regulatory and Export Promotion Councils:
INDIA-UK CETA CORRIDOR
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Sector Specific Authority | Principal Scope of Products Covered | Mandatory Action for Exporters |
GJEPC | Gems, Jewellery, Pearls, Diamonds & Lab-Grown Diamonds | Register RCMC & submit origin documentation online |
AEPC | Apparel, Readymade Garments, Knitted Wear, and Accessories | Self-declare fabric origin & claim GSP-transition codes |
CLE | Finished Leather Goods, Saddlery, Harnesses & Footwear | Validate processing criteria under Rules of Origin |
EEPC India | Automotive Parts, Precision Machine Tools, Heavy Metal Goods | Execute chemical and metallurgy value-addition test |
APEDA | Processed Foods, Spices, Herbal Extracts, Pulses (Non-Excluded) | Ensure processing certificates match sanitary criteria |
Exporters' Compliance: Rules of Origin (RoO) Guide
To prevent third-party trade diversion, the Ministry of Finance has notified stringent yet streamlined Rules of Origin (RoO) criteria for CETA benefits:
INDIA-UK CETA CORRIDOR
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Origin Criteria
Eligible shipments must either be "Wholly Obtained" (raw agricultural/marine) or have undergone "Sufficient Working" (manufactured products with domestic value addition).
Value Content (QVC)
Most manufactured products require a defined Qualifying Value Content (usually minimum 40%) computed via regional value-add calculations.
Verification
Exporters can utilize self-certification frameworks for registered entities, subject to post-import verification protocols by UK and Indian customs.
Step-by-Step Exporter Roadmap
Exporters should follow this immediate operational flowchart to tap into zero-tariff benefits under CETA:
INDIA-UK CETA CORRIDOR
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Portal Registration
Register on the DGFT Common Digital Portal for preferential Certificate of Origin (CoO).
Verify Origin Rules
Confirm product classification (HS Code) meets relevant QVC% and PSR criteria.
Apply for CoO
Apply online through designated Registering Authorities (GJEPC, AEPC, CLE etc.) for preferential certification.
Declare & Export
Declare CETA intent on the Shipping Bill and present CoO to UK customs to claim immediate 0% duty.
Thank You