India-UK trade agreement in force since 15 July 2026

Country reference

• Country: India (Wave 1 expansion country)
• Authorities: Ministry of Commerce and Industry
• Topic: India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) and Double Contribution Convention (DCC)
• Key date: In force 15 July 2026 (announced 17 June 2026)
• Law: CETA; DCC signed 10 February 2026

What took effect

India’s Commerce Ministry confirmed that the CETA and the Double Contribution Convention would both enter into force on 15 July 2026. The two countries aim to double bilateral trade to USD 100 billion by 2030.

Goods

• About 99% of India’s tariff lines, covering nearly all trade value, gain duty-free access to the UK.
• UK tariffs removed include up to 70% on processed food, 21.5% on marine products, 18% on engineering goods and auto parts, 16% on leather and footwear and 12% on textiles.
• India protected sensitive farm sectors such as dairy, cereals, edible oils and apples.

Services and people

• UK commitments cover all major services sectors and 137 sub-sectors of interest to India.
• Mobility routes for business visitors, intra-company transferees, contractual service suppliers, independent professionals and investors.
• Double Contribution Convention: Indian employees on temporary UK assignments, and their employers, are exempt from UK social security contributions for up to five years.

What to do now

• Check the rules of origin for each product before claiming preferential duty.
• Update landed-cost models for goods moving between India and the UK.
• For staff seconded to the UK, obtain the certificate of coverage to stop UK contributions.

Our take

Gulf groups with Indian manufacturing or service centres gain a cheaper route into the UK market. The savings depend on origin paperwork, so build it into the export process from the first shipment.