India-UK CETA kicks in July 15: zero duty on 99% of exports, textiles and leather get tariff-free runway
From July 15, 2026, UK tariffs collapse to zero on 99% of Indian goods — textiles drop from 12%, leather and footwear from 16%, processed food from 70%. Britain also opens 137 services sub-sectors and eases professional mobility, with both sides targeting $100bn bilateral trade by 2030.
What happened
India-UK CETA enters force July 15, 2026, eliminating UK tariffs on 99% of Indian exports including textiles (12%), leather/footwear (16%), and processed food
Key facts
- 99% duty-free exports
- 137 services sub-sectors
- 70% to 0% on processed food
- 16% to 0% on leather/footwear
- 12% to 0% on textiles/garments
- $100 billion bilateral trade by 2030
- July 15, 2026 entry
Why this matters
Scout UK distribution, brand, and services targets now — the 137 opened sub-sectors plus eased professional mobility make inbound JVs and bolt-ons materially cheaper to execute against the $100bn 2030 corridor.