India-UK FTA: Experts Recommend Product Upgrades for Greater Market Access
Awareness drives, regulatory compliance and investment protection seen as crucial for maximising gains from CETA starting July 15
New Delhi, June 22: Indian exporters will need to enhance product quality and meet British regulatory standards to fully capitalise on the opportunities created by the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), set to take effect on July 15, industry experts said.
They stressed that alongside tariff concessions, greater awareness among businesses is essential to ensure that companies, particularly those in manufacturing clusters, are prepared to utilise the agreement effectively.
While the UK’s Department for Business and Trade has launched a roadshow across six cities to help businesses prepare for the pact, experts believe a similar initiative is required in India. Such outreach programmes could help exporters understand market requirements, compliance norms and sector-specific opportunities arising from the agreement.
According to experts, the long-term success of the trade deal will depend on India’s ability to integrate more deeply into global supply chains rather than merely expanding shipments. Achieving this would require stronger adherence to quality benchmarks, regulatory norms and international business standards.
Industry observers also highlighted the need for an early conclusion of the proposed Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) between the two countries. A robust investment framework, they said, would strengthen investor confidence and encourage long-term capital commitments in key sectors.
The agreement is expected to boost two-way investments in advanced manufacturing, electric mobility, financial technology, pharmaceuticals, clean energy and high-value services. Analysts noted that the UK offers Indian firms access to advanced technology, research capabilities and global markets, while India provides scale, manufacturing capacity and a rapidly evolving business ecosystem.
A major attraction of the pact is the removal of tariffs on several product categories. Duties on textiles, apparel, leather goods, footwear, engineering products, auto components and processed foods will be phased out, improving the competitiveness of Indian products in the British market.
Experts estimate that India’s leather and footwear shipments to the UK could nearly double within three years, while textile exporters are expected to strengthen their presence in one of the world’s leading consumer markets.
Trade specialists also described the social security arrangement accompanying the agreement as a significant achievement, particularly for Indian professionals and businesses with operations in the UK, as it is expected to reduce costs and improve workforce mobility.
The consensus among industry leaders is that the agreement presents a major opportunity, but its full potential will depend on effective implementation, industry preparedness and sustained policy support.
