India‑UK trade pact rules of origin take effect July 15

India’s Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs has issued the final rules of origin for the India‑UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA). The rules become operational on 15 July 2026, the day the agreement itself enters into force. Under the notified framework, goods qualify for preferential tariff treatment only if they are (i) wholly obtained or produced in India or the United Kingdom, (ii) made entirely from originating materials, or (iii) manufactured using non‑originating inputs that meet product‑specific origin criteria. Simple processing such as packaging, washing, labeling, polishing or assembly does not confer originating status.

The agreement will grant duty‑free access to 99 % of Indian exports to the UK and to roughly 90 % of UK goods entering India. Indian officials estimate the pact could raise annual bilateral trade by £25.5 billion, adding about £5.1 billion to India’s GDP and £4.8 billion to the UK’s. The rules also introduce a 12‑month validity period for origin certificates and require exporters to retain documentation for up to five years. Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said the CETA will deepen cooperation across trade, investment, technology and innovation, and urged firms to seize the new opportunity. A parallel Double Contributions Convention will allow professionals to pay social‑security contributions only in their home country for up to 60 months.