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【Ludhiana, In】India-UK Free Trade Agreement Implementation from July 15, 2026 Boosts Gems & Jewelry Exports

Jul 15, 2026

Editor’s Note

**Editor’s Note:** The India-UK Free Trade Agreement, effective July 15, 2026, marks a pivotal shift in bilateral economic ties, granting nearly 99% of Indian exports preferential access to the UK market. With bilateral trade already at USD 56 billion, this deal is set to further accelerate growth.

Implementation of India-UK Free Trade Agreement from July 15, 2026

Ludhiana, July 15, 2026: India’s landmark free trade agreement with the United Kingdom came into effect from July 15, 2026, marking a new chapter in bilateral economic relations between India and the UK. The trade agreement grants nearly 99 percent of Indian exports preferential access to the UK market. India-UK bilateral trade has already reached USD 56 billion, and with the implementation of this FTA, trade between the two countries is likely to multiply in the times to come. To celebrate this historical moment, “Flag Off Ceremonies” were organized at various locations across the country.

The office of the Additional Directorate General of Foreign Trade (Regional Authority) Ludhiana, in association with the Customs Commissionerate, Ludhiana, and FIEO Punjab Chapter, organized the “India-UK CETA Flag Off Ceremony” at GRFL, ICD Sahnewal, Ludhiana. On this occasion, the first export consignment under the “India-UK CETA” was formally flagged off from ICD Ludhiana in the presence of Utpal Kumar Acharya, Joint DGFT (RA) Ludhiana; Varinder Kaur, Commissioner of Customs, Ludhiana; Suman Yadav, IRS, Deputy Commissioner of Customs, Ludhiana; Ayush Mittal, Joint Commissioner of Customs, Ludhiana; Parveen Pant, Assistant Terminal Head, Gateway Distriparks, ICD Sahnewal, Ludhiana; Vinay Sharma, FIEO Punjab; and other senior Customs officials.

Key Benefits for Gems & Jewelry Sector

While sharing his views, Utpal Kumar Acharya, Jt DGFT(RA) Ludhiana, said:

“The India-UK Trade Agreement is one of its kind, granting a ‘0%’ duty access to Indian exporters on around 995 product lines exported to the UK. Sectors like textiles, apparel, gems & jewelry, agriculture, marine products, and pharmaceuticals will be benefitted, along with enhanced market access for IT and service professionals in the UK. In return, UK exporters will also gain from reduced Indian tariffs on goods such as whisky, automobiles, machinery, and consumer products. This will also spur large-scale employment generation, empowering artisans, women-led enterprises, and MSMEs. The agreement includes a wide-ranging package covering IT/IT-enabled services, financial and professional services, business consulting, education, telecom, architecture, and engineering that will unlock high-value opportunities.”

He also added:

“The projected trade growth between both nations is expected to double by 2030, as this agreement will provide India with a competitive edge over countries like Bangladesh, Vietnam, and other competitors in the UK market.”

Speaking on this occasion, Varinder Kaur, Commissioner of Customs, Customs Commissionerate, Ludhiana, said:

“The Government of India is actively undertaking policy reforms to increase the percentage share of Indian products in the global supply chain, making it a key player. As part of this, the India-UK Trade Agreements have been implemented from July 15, 2026, after three to five years of negotiations. This marks a major achievement in strengthening economic ties between the two nations. This agreement opens great opportunities across various key sectors—not only are tariffs reduced, but this will also ease or lower regulatory barriers for services and investments. Ludhiana Customs Commissionerate has always been proactive in promoting ease of trade operations for our regional exporters; all trade-related issues are addressed on top priority by all officers working under Ludhiana Customs and will continue to do the same.”

Utpal Kumar Acharya, JT DGFT (RA) Ludhiana, also flagged off the first-ever consignment of ‘Wool & Worsted Yarn’ for M/s Ganga Acrowools Limited, Ludhiana, under the new “India-UK FTA.” The ceremony was organized at their Doraha-based plant, which was also attended by senior-level officials from the company.

The O/o DGFT(RA) Ludhiana organized similar Flag Off Ceremonies at Amritsar, at district Solan in Himachal Pradesh, and at district Jammu in J&K, with the objective of sensitizing exporters from the region to explore numerous opportunities via the India-UK Comprehensive Economic & Trade Agreements (CEPA).

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⏰ Published on: July 15, 2026