Blitz Bureau
India is now nine days from one of its most consequential trade milestones. On July 15 the India–United Kingdom Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) enters into force alongside the Double Contribution Convention on social security, after both governments confirmed the date and the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs notified the rules of origin that clear the rollout.
From that day the UK will eliminate duties on 99% of Indian tariff lines, opening a market worth more than $500 billion. Tariffs of up to 70% on processed foods, 21.5% on marine products, 18% on engineering goods and auto components, 16% on leather and footwear, and 12% on textiles and clothing fall to zero — a direct lift for India’s most labour-intensive, job-creating sectors.
The pact hands India’s textile, leather, marine and engineering exporters a decisive head-start in one of the world’s richest markets.
At a Glance
- Live from: July 15, 2026
- Access: Duty-free on 99% of Indian tariff lines
- Market size: Over $500 billion
- Mobility: 75,000+ professionals, 900+ firms to benefit; relief extended from 3 to 5 years
Signed in London in July 2025, the CETA is India’s most comprehensive agreement with a G7 nation. After a late dispute over UK steel-import rules was resolved on the sidelines of the G7 Summit, the two sides fixed July 15 as the entry-into-force date. The accompanying social-security convention lets Indian professionals on temporary assignment in Britain avoid double contributions for up to five years, easing costs for more than 900 companies.
The immediate task is readiness. Customs authorities will verify preferential claims through certificates of origin, so exporters — especially smaller firms — that get their documentation in order early will be first to capture the gains.
