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Posted: Wed 11th Mar 2026
5 min read
The UK-India Free Trade Agreement is expected to enter into force this spring.
If you export to India, or have been thinking about it, there's one practical step you need to take right now: register origin details with HMRC.
Without registration, you can't issue a valid origin declaration. This step is necessary because, otherwise, customers based in India won't be able to claim the preferential tariff rate.
Once registered, small firms can self-certify the origin of goods, which means no separate certificate is needed for every shipment.
India currently has some of the highest import tariffs of any major economy. The FTA changes that significantly for UK exporters.
According to the government's own summary, tariff savings on UK exports could be worth up to £400 million a year when the deal comes into force, rising to £900 million after 10 years.
From day one, 64% of tariff lines, covering £1.9 billion of current UK exports, will be eligible for tariff-free entry into India, rising to 85% of tariff lines over the following decade.
The sectors with the most to gain immediately include food and drink, advanced manufacturing, and life sciences.
Whisky and gin tariffs drop from 150% to 75% from day one, falling to 40% over 10 years. Fresh and frozen salmon, cod, lamb, aircraft parts, and scientific instruments all qualify for tariff-free access.
Preferential tariff rates only apply to goods with sufficient UK content or processing. These are called the rules of origin, and the government has published clear guidance on how they work for UK exporters.
The full picture of what the deal covers, sector by sector, is on the government's dedicated trade deal hub.
Enterprise Nation member and The Protein Ball Co co-founder, Matt Hunt, exports his products to 14 countries, but doesn’t think India will be a game-changer for his firm.
In fact, he’s nervous about the deal.
"India has a huge confectionery manufacturing sector that can produce and distribute nationally at a significantly lower cost than we can even source the ingredients.
“The new trade deal seems beneficial for UK–India relations, but I'm unsure if it will increase export opportunities, and it might even result in more Indian imports into the UK."
But Ronke Fashola, founder of fashion brand Love ur Look, has her designs manufactured in India and says the import process is smooth.
She says:
“As a small business, I've seen a much faster turnaround when my products arrive in customs. My orders are released within 48 hours, which makes a big difference for my small business.”
Tajinder Banwait MBE, founder of fragrance lifestyle brand Urban Apothecary London, and Palette London, her collection of planet-friendly vegan and halal nail paints, has a more positive outlook on the deal.
She says:
"India has a rapidly expanding middle class and a deep appreciation for high-quality beauty and fragrance, which makes it a very exciting market for premium brands like mine.
"We’d like to start exporting to India this year. If we do, that would make 38 countries!
"Overall, the reduction in tariffs and the simplification of trading processes through the new agreement will make a meaningful difference for British businesses looking to export.
"Lower duties help make products more competitive, and greater certainty around trade opens the doors for brands like mine to explore partnerships, retail opportunities and long-term growth in one of the world’s most dynamic markets."
The Department for Business and Trade is running a free webinar on 12 March at 9.00 am, covering HMRC portal registration, rules of origin and practical steps on getting ready from day one.
If you're in food and drink, manufacturing or life sciences, or have been considering India as an export market, it's worth an hour of your time.
The deal still requires both the UK and India to complete their ratification processes before it enters into force.
Spring 2026 is the government's current working assumption. Register now regardless, so you're not scrambling when the date is confirmed.
Our free guide breaks down the practical steps to exporting, plus the government support you can use. Download now
