The UK-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA), officially known as the UK-India Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), came into force on 15 July 2026, creating significant opportunities for UK businesses looking to expand exports to one of the world’s fastest-growing economies.
For UK manufacturers, exporters and distributors, the agreement offers access to preferential tariff rates on eligible goods entering India. This can help reduce costs, improve competitiveness and open new opportunities in a rapidly growing market.
A Key Requirement: HMRC Registration
While the agreement offers substantial benefits, businesses must ensure they meet the new compliance requirements.
Under the UK-India FTA, Indian importers can claim reduced tariff rates using an origin declaration completed by the UK exporter or producer. However, UK businesses must first register with HMRC before issuing these declarations. If they do not, the declaration will be rejected, and preferential tariff rates cannot be applied.
The good news is that registration is a one-off process, covering future exports made under the agreement.
Who Needs to Register?
Businesses should register if they:
- Export goods from the UK to India.
- Produce or export goods that qualify as UK-origin products.
- Want customers in India to benefit from preferential tariffs under the agreement.
How the Process Works
The registration and verification process is designed to be straightforward:
- A UK exporter registers with HMRC. Click here to register.
- HMRC shares a database of registered exporters with Indian customs authorities.
- The exporter provides an origin declaration for each qualifying shipment.
- Indian Customs verifies the declaration before applying the preferential tariff rate.
Why Rules of Origin Matter
To benefit from reduced tariffs, products must meet the agreement’s Rules of Origin requirements. These rules determine whether goods qualify as UK-origin and are therefore eligible for preferential treatment. Businesses should maintain robust documentation and records to support any claims.
Failure to comply could result in rejected tariff claims, delays at customs and additional costs for importers.
Quick FAQs
What is the UK-India Free Trade Agreement?
The agreement is a trade deal between the UK and India that reduces trade barriers and enables qualifying goods to benefit from lower tariffs when entering India.
Do all exporters need to register with HMRC?
Only businesses exporting qualifying UK-origin goods to India and wishing to use preferential tariffs under the agreement need to register.
What is an origin declaration?
An origin declaration is a statement from the exporter confirming that the goods meet the required Rules of Origin and qualify for preferential tariff treatment.
Is HMRC registration required for every shipment?
No. Registration is completed once and can be used for all future exports made under the agreement.
What happens if a business does not register?
Origin declarations may be rejected, preventing the Indian importer from claiming reduced tariff rates.
Preparing Your Business for UK-India Trade
The UK’s new trade agreement with India presents a significant opportunity for businesses looking to grow their international presence. However, success will depend on understanding customs requirements, complying with Rules of Origin and ensuring the correct documentation is in place from the outset.
At Meachers Global Logistics, our customs and freight forwarding specialists can help businesses navigate the requirements of the UK-India Free Trade Agreement, ensuring shipments move smoothly while maximising the benefits available under the new trading relationship.
Need support exporting to India? Contact Meachers Global Logistics to discuss customs compliance, freight forwarding and international trade solutions.
