India–UK CETA Comes Into Force; First Preferential Exports Worth USD 140 Million Flagged Off

New Delhi, Jul 16 (KNN) The India–United Kingdom Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) and the Agreement on Social Security, also known as the Double Contribution Convention (DCC), came into force on Wednesday, enabling preferential market access for bilateral trade and the movement of professionals between the two countries.

A formal event marking the implementation of the agreements was held at Vanijya Bhawan in New Delhi, attended by British High Commissioner Lindy Cameron, Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal, Director General of Foreign Trade and representatives of export promotion councils, industry associations and exporters.

According to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the agreement provides zero-duty access for nearly 99 per cent of India's exports to the UK, covering almost the entire trade value. 

It also exempts Indian professionals on temporary assignments in the UK from double social security contributions for up to five years under the DCC.

The Commerce Ministry said more than 50 export consignments valued at over USD 140 million were flagged off on the first day of implementation from over 20 ports, airports, Inland Container Depots (ICDs), Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and manufacturing facilities across the country. 

The consignments included electronics, pharmaceuticals, gems and jewellery, among other products.

Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal said the agreement followed more than 800 technical sessions conducted across 14 formal negotiation rounds. 

He added that the agreement covers both goods and services trade, with implementation measures, including Rules of Origin certification and customs preparedness, completed before its operationalisation.

The first Certificates of Origin under the agreement were issued through the eCoO 2.0 platform on a self-certification basis to facilitate preferential exports and reduce compliance requirements for exporters, particularly MSMEs.

According to the UK side, bilateral trade between India and the United Kingdom approached GBP 48 billion in 2025, and the agreement is expected to boost bilateral trade by more than GBP 25 billion annually over the long term. 

(KNN Bureau)