UK–India Trade Deal: Preparing for the New CETA – Updated India Export Guide
- nickcwtate
- Jul 13
- 2 min read
The UK–India Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) will enter into force on 15 July 2026, marking one of the most significant developments in UK–India trade in recent years.
For UK exporters, the agreement will reduce or eliminate customs duties on many goods exported to India. However, benefiting from these preferential tariff rates will require more than simply shipping qualifying goods. Exporters will need to understand the agreement's Rules of Origin, register with HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) before issuing Origin Declarations, and follow India's new authentication process before their customers can claim the preferential tariff.
To help businesses prepare, we have completed a comprehensive review and update of our India Country Guide.
A practical guide to implementing the UK–India CETA
The centrepiece of the update is a brand new Claiming Preferential Origin chapter, written to explain the practical steps UK exporters need to follow when trading under the agreement.
The new chapter covers:
HMRC registration requirements.
Rules of Origin.
Completing Origin Declarations.
India's authentication process.
Record-keeping requirements.
Practical guidance to help exporters avoid common errors that could prevent an Indian importer from claiming the preferential tariff.
One of the most important changes introduced by the agreement is that UK exporters must register with HMRC before issuing Origin Declarations. Without successful registration and authentication, an Indian importer cannot claim the preferential tariff, even where the goods qualify as UK originating.
Comprehensive review of the India Country Guide
The implementation of the UK–India CETA provided an opportunity to review and modernise the entire India Country Guide.
In addition to the new CETA guidance, we have updated:
General country information.
Financial details.
Commercial invoices.
Packing lists.
Certificates of Origin.
Transport documents.
Packing requirements.
Insurance.
Product requirements.
Customs procedures.
Helpful contacts.
The guide now includes updated guidance on:
Import licensing through the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT).
HMRC registration for Origin Declarations.
Commodity classification (HS Codes).
Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) requirements.
Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) procedures.
Electronic Bills of Lading (eBLs).
Modern customs procedures, pre-shipment inspections and import restrictions.
Current ports, airports and logistics information.
Obsolete procedures, outdated references and superseded documentation requirements have been removed throughout.
Prepare for the UK–India Trade Agreement
The updated India Country Guide is available now to subscribers and provides practical guidance to help businesses prepare for trading under the UK–India Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA).
If you are already a subscriber, we recommend reviewing the revised guide before your next shipment to India.
If you are not yet a subscriber, our International Trade Guides are regularly reviewed and updated to reflect changes in customs procedures, documentation requirements, trade agreements and international regulations, helping businesses trade with confidence across global markets.
Whether you need country-specific guidance, support with export documentation, customs procedures, Rules of Origin or wider international trade compliance, the Just Trade team is here to help.
To find out more about our International Trade Guides, training courses and consultancy services, or to discuss your international trade requirements, please contact us.
Website: www.just-trade.co.uk
Telephone: +44 (0)203 926 6200
Email: enquiries@just-trade.co.uk
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