Businesses urged to prepare now for UK–India Free Trade Agreement implementation
22 June 2026
With the UK–India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) set to enter into force on 15 July 2026, businesses are being encouraged to prepare now if they wish to take advantage of the tariff reductions and market access opportunities offered by the agreement.
While much of the attention surrounding the FTA has focused on the potential trade benefits, the UK Government has emphasised that businesses will need to ensure they meet the necessary requirements to qualify for preferential tariff treatment.
According to recently published government guidance, businesses intending to claim reduced tariffs under the agreement should review their registration requirements, understand the Rules of Origin provisions and ensure they can complete the necessary origin declarations.
For many businesses, preferential tariff treatment will not be automatic.
To benefit from reduced or zero tariffs, goods will generally need to meet the agreement's Rules of Origin requirements, demonstrating that they qualify as UK or Indian originating products under the terms of the FTA.
Businesses should consider:
- Reviewing product classifications
- Understanding the agreement's Rules of Origin requirements
- Ensuring appropriate supporting documentation is available
- Confirming the ability to complete origin declarations where required
- Reviewing supply chains to assess eligibility for preferential tariffs
The UK–India FTA is expected to create significant opportunities for businesses trading between the two countries. The UK Government has stated that India will remove or reduce tariffs on 90% of tariff lines, covering the vast majority of current UK goods exports to India.
However, businesses that do not understand or comply with the agreement's origin requirements may be unable to access the tariff benefits available.
The implementation date also provides an opportunity for businesses considering India as a new export market to review market entry strategies, supply chain arrangements and customs procedures before the agreement comes into force.
For importers, the agreement may create new sourcing opportunities and cost savings on a range of Indian products, while exporters could benefit from improved competitiveness in one of the world's fastest-growing major economies.
As implementation approaches, businesses are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the practical requirements of the agreement to ensure they are ready to benefit from the opportunities available from day one.
By Carla Assunção, Chamber International
We can help businesses understand free trade agreements, Rules of Origin and the documentation required to claim preferential tariff treatment. Speak to our team.
Businesses looking to maximise the benefits of free trade agreements may also be interested in our Rules of Origin Workshop on 2 July 2026. Find out more and reserve your place.
