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India–UK CETA hub

The CETA is in force. Here is what it opens.

The India–UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) entered into force on 15 July 2026. It cuts tariffs, opens services and procurement, and arrives alongside a new social security agreement for mobile staff. This hub sets out what has changed and what it means for your business.

A shipping container being lifted onto a cargo ship at sunset

Timeline

From launch to full tariff cuts.

  1. January 2022
    Negotiations launched
  2. 6 May 2025
    Negotiations concluded
  3. 24 July 2025
    Agreement signed in London
  4. 10 February 2026
    Double Contribution Convention signed
  5. 15 July 2026
    CETA and Double Contribution Convention enter into force
  6. 2036
    Most of India's staged tariff cuts complete (year 10)

Trade benefits

India's tariff cuts. Tariffs reduced or removed on 90% of tariff lines, covering 92% of UK goods exports to India. 64% of lines became tariff-free on day one, rising to 85% over 10 years.
UK tariff cuts. Tariffs removed on 99% of Indian goods from day one, including clothing and footwear, with a small number of sensitive farm products excluded.
Scotch whisky and gin. India's tariff falls from 150% to 75%, then to 40% by year 10.
Cars. India's tariffs fall from over 100% to 10% within a quota.
Rules of origin. To claim lower tariffs, goods must meet the agreement's rules of origin, and importers need the right paperwork.

Sources: HLC briefing · Business Today

Investment scope

Services. UK firms can supply covered services, such as telecoms, environmental and construction services, without setting up a company in India, and receive equal treatment in covered sectors.
Public procurement. UK businesses can bid for certain Indian central government and state-owned enterprise contracts. Indian companies gain access to UK central government procurement, including some NHS bodies.
Long-term growth. The UK government expects the agreement to increase bilateral trade by £25.5 billion a year in the long run.

Double Contribution Convention

Entered into force with the CETA on 15 July 2026. Employers and staff on temporary postings between the UK and India pay social security contributions in their home country only, rather than in both. [Confirm the maximum posting period against the official text; recent coverage reports up to five years.] This cuts the cost of sending staff across the corridor.

Sector insights

Winners by industry

Short notes, each linked from its sector page. First notes published 7 October 2026.

Food and drink: whisky, gin, salmon and lamb → Automotive and EV supply chains → Aerospace components and measuring instruments → Textiles, clothing and footwear (India to UK) → Professional and business services →

Practical steps for businesses

What to do now

  1. 1Check your products' tariff codes and the new rates under the CETA.
  2. 2Confirm your goods meet the rules of origin and keep supporting records.
  3. 3Register with HMRC, or India's customs authority, where needed to claim preferential tariffs.
  4. 4Review postings of staff under the Double Contribution Convention.
  5. 5Look at public procurement opportunities now open to you.

What does the CETA mean for your business?

Book a CETA briefing →

This hub is general information, not legal or tax advice. See our Terms of Use.