India-UK CETA live July 15: 99% of exports go tariff-free, Scotch duty halved, auto cut to 10%

The India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement takes effect July 15, zeroing duties on 99% of Indian exports including textiles, leather, footwear and processed food. Scotch whisky tariffs halve to 75% (40% by 2035) and UK auto duties drop from 110% to 10% over five years, reshaping retail import economics.

— Source publishedThu, 18 Jun, 2026, 08:28 IST·First seen Thu, 18 Jun, 2026, 09:26 IST·Source ET Retail

What happened

India-UK CETA takes effect July 15, eliminating tariffs on 99% of Indian exports including textiles, leather, footwear and processed food, while halving Scotch

Key facts

  • 99% tariff-free exports
  • 70% on processed food to zero
  • 12% on textiles to zero
  • 16% on leather/footwear to zero
  • Scotch tariff halved to 75%, then 40% by 2035
  • auto duties 110% to 10% over 5 years
  • 75,000 professionals
  • 900 companies

Why this matters

Scout acquisitions or JVs in Indian textile, leather and processed-food exporters now to lock in tariff-free UK access before competitive bidding compresses multiples.