- India and UK agreed to annual data exchange on CETA usage.
- CETA, effective July 2026, boosts bilateral trade significantly.
- Early trade gains include duty-free salmon, whisky, cars.
India and the United Kingdom have agreed to exchange data annually on the use of their Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), including businesses’ claims for lower tariffs and feedback on its implementation, to help more companies benefit from the pact.
The data exchange will begin a year after the agreement comes into force, according to a joint statement issued after the 16th meeting of the India-UK Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO).
The CETA, a free trade agreement, came into force on July 15, 2026. It allows 99% of Indian goods to enter the British market duty-free, while 90% of UK goods enter India either duty-free or at reduced tariffs.
The agreement is benefiting several sectors on both sides, including automotive, manufacturing, consumer goods, creative industries and medical technology.
Annual Data Exchange To Help Businesses
“We agreed that we will exchange data annually starting one year after the date of entry into force of the CETA on how businesses are using the agreement,” the joint statement said.
The exchange will include data on how frequently businesses claim lower tariffs under the agreement, along with feedback on what is working well and where additional support is needed.
According to the statement, the exercise will provide both countries with a shared understanding of priorities and help identify ways to enable more companies, particularly small and medium-sized businesses, to benefit from the trade pact.
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and UK Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade Jonathan Reynolds chaired the meeting.
Scottish Salmon, Scotch Whisky And Cars Enter Indian Market
The joint statement highlighted early trade gains under the agreement. The first tariff-free Scottish salmon shipment from the UK reached India within a fortnight of the pact’s implementation, with several thousand kilograms exported since then.
Scotch whisky has also entered the Indian market at reduced tariffs, while the first cars exported under the tariff-rate quota have cleared customs and been imported into India.
On the day the agreement came into force, Indian exporters sent more than 50 consignments to the UK. These included electronics such as smartphones; electrical and mechanical machinery, including turbojets; gold jewellery; ready-made garments; woollen yarn; tea; and coffee.
India, UK To Deepen Trade Cooperation
The two countries also agreed on a plan to ensure the smooth functioning of CETA. This includes establishing committees and working groups and confirming government-to-government contact points for every part of the agreement.
They further agreed to deepen cooperation in services, innovation, government procurement, science and technology, and gender-related issues, while promoting greater business-to-business engagement and stronger regional partnerships.
The 17th meeting of JETCO will be held in the United Kingdom in 2027.
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