India–UK CETA: a practical guide for Indian exporters
Since 15 July 2026 most Indian goods enter the UK duty-free. Here is what changed, who gains most, and what you must do to claim it.
What changed on 15 July 2026
The agreement was concluded in May 2025 and signed in London in July 2025. It entered into force on 15 July 2026, together with a social security agreement that exempts Indian workers posted to the UK from double contributions for longer. For goods, the headline is simple: UK tariffs on almost all Indian products are removed, while India protects sensitive sectors such as dairy, cereals, edible oils, apples and some vegetables.
Who gains most
The biggest wins are in sectors where the UK's normal tariff was high. Before the agreement, UK duties reached up to these levels:
| Sector | UK duty before (up to) | Under CETA |
|---|---|---|
| Processed food products | 70% | 0% |
| Marine products | 21.5% | 0% |
| Engineering goods and auto components | 18% | 0% |
| Leather and footwear | 16% | 0% |
| Textiles and garments | 12% | 0% |
| Chemicals and pharmaceuticals | 8% | 0% |
Rates are the upper end of each sector as reported at entry into force; check your exact tariff line on the UK Trade Tariff.
For a buyer, a 12% duty saving on garments or 16% on footwear is often bigger than your whole margin. Competitors from countries without a UK deal still pay the normal rate, so you can either keep the saving or use it to win the order.
How to claim zero duty: rules of origin
Zero duty applies only to goods that originate in India under the agreement. Goods qualify in one of three ways:
- Wholly obtained in India, such as crops grown or fish caught there.
- Made entirely from originating materials from India or the UK (cumulation between the two is allowed).
- Made from non-originating materials that meet the product-specific rule for that product, such as a change of tariff heading, a minimum qualifying value content, or a specific process.
If you import inputs, for example fabric, steel wire rod or components, check your product's rule before you promise a duty-free price. Corridor Terminal's rules of origin tool helps you check the value test.
Proof of origin your UK buyer needs
The UK importer claims the preference on their customs declaration. UK customs accepts three kinds of proof:
| Proof of origin | UK document code |
|---|---|
| Origin declaration made out by the exporter | 9001 |
| Certificate of origin | N954 |
| Importer's knowledge (narrower cases) | U112 |
- An origin declaration is valid for 12 months from the date it is completed.
- Keep the records that prove origin, such as costings, supplier invoices and bills of materials, for at least five years.
- Ask your export promotion council or DGFT for the current Indian-side procedure and format before your first shipment.
What to do this week
- List your top products for the UK with their HS codes.
- Check the UK's normal duty and confirm it is now zero for your lines.
- Check each product against its rule of origin, especially if you use imported inputs.
- Prepare the origin declaration wording and keep a file of supporting records.
- Re-quote UK buyers with landed cost showing zero duty. Corridor Terminal does this automatically on the India → UK lane.
Common questions
When did the India–UK CETA come into force?
The India–UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement entered into force on 15 July 2026.
Which Indian exports become duty-free in the UK?
Around 99% of India's exports to the UK by tariff line get duty-free access, covering almost all trade value, including textiles and garments, leather and footwear, marine products, processed food, engineering goods, chemicals and pharmaceuticals.
How does a UK buyer claim the zero duty?
The UK importer claims preference on the customs declaration using a proof of origin: an origin declaration from the exporter, a certificate of origin, or in some cases the importer's own knowledge. The goods must meet the agreement's rules of origin.
How long is an origin declaration valid?
An origin declaration is valid for 12 months from the date it is completed.
How long must records be kept?
Keep the records that prove origin for at least five years from the date of the origin declaration.
See your UK landed cost with zero duty
Corridor Terminal opens on the India → UK lane and applies CETA automatically, showing where you now beat suppliers from China and elsewhere.
Open the terminalFirst shipment guideSources: Business Today; UK customs guidance summary; UK Trade Tariff.