Zero-Duty Access for Nearly 99% of Indian Exports to UK, World Trade Center Mumbai and AIAI Welcome India–UK CETA
15th July 2026: World Trade Center Mumbai and All India Association of Industries welcome the implementation of the India–United Kingdom Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) and the Double Contribution Convention from July 15, 2026. Under the agreement, the UK will remove or reduce tariffs on 98.8% of its tariff lines, covering 99.5% of trade value, while nearly 99% of Indian exports will receive zero-duty access.
Dr. Vijay Kalantri, Chairman, World Trade Center Mumbai and President, All India Association of Industries, said, “The India–UK CETA marks a transformational milestone in India’s global trade journey and will provide a major boost to exports, manufacturing and employment. The elimination of tariffs of up to 70% on processed food products, 21.5% on marine products, 18% on engineering goods and auto components, 16% on leather and footwear, 12% on textiles and clothing, and 8% on chemicals and pharmaceuticals will significantly enhance the competitiveness of Indian exporters, particularly MSMEs and labour-intensive industries.”
“The agreement offers substantial opportunities for India’s services sector across 137 sub-sectors, including IT and IT-enabled services, financial, professional, education, healthcare, engineering and business services. Predictable mobility pathways for
professionals, along with dedicated opportunities for 1,800 Indian chefs, yoga instructors and classical musicians annually, will strengthen commercial and people-to-people ties between the two countries.” said, Dr. Kalantri.
Dr. Kalantri, said, “The extension of the Double Contribution Convention from three to five years is a breakthrough that will benefit more than 75,000 Indian professionals by preventing dual social security contributions during temporary assignments in the UK. At the same time, India has effectively safeguarded sensitive sectors such as dairy, cereals, millets, edible oils, oilseeds and several agricultural products, ensuring that expanded global market access is balanced with the protection of domestic interests”
India must develop sector-specific export strategies for textiles, leather, marine products, engineering goods, pharmaceuticals, processed food and services, while helping MSMEs meet UK standards, certification, packaging and sustainability requirements. Dedicated buyer-seller meets, trade missions, market intelligence support and stronger export-finance facilities will be essential to convert the agreement’s marketaccess gains into actual trade and investment.” added, Dr. Kalantri.
World Trade Center Mumbai and AIAI believes that the India–UK CETA will strengthen bilateral trade and investment, promote innovation and technology partnerships, integrate Indian enterprises into global value chains and contribute meaningfully to India’s vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
For Further Information
Ms. Priya Pansare,
Director, Trade and Investment Promotion,
World Trade Center Mumbai,
research@wetrade.org
Image enclosed below
In the Image: Dr. Vijay Kalantri, Chairman, World Trade Center Mumbai and President, All India
Association of Industries.