Using the UK-India Trade Agreement
Using the UK-India Trade Agreement — Claim Preferential Duties and Trade More Competitively with India
Practical half-day training covering the key provisions of the UK-India Free Trade Agreement, how to establish whether your goods qualify, and what you need to do to claim preference compliantly.
Format: Live, interactive online training via Zoom, with Q&A and practical exercises
Duration: Half day — 9:30am to 12:30pm
£195 + VAT per delegate
Includes course materials and 30 minutes of free Helpdesk time for follow-up questions after the session.
Contact us for group or bespoke training pricing.
- Commercially relevant: Understand a trade deal that directly affects duty costs on UK-India trade
- Practical guidance: Learn exactly how to establish qualification and claim preference correctly
- Avoid compliance risk: Understand the rules of origin requirements before making preference claims
Why This Course Matters Now
The UK-India Free Trade Agreement represents one of the most significant trade deals the UK has reached since leaving the EU, opening up preferential access to one of the world's fastest-growing economies. For UK businesses already trading with India — or looking to do so — understanding how to use the agreement correctly can make a meaningful difference to duty costs and commercial competitiveness.
However, preferential tariff rates do not apply automatically. Goods must meet specific rules of origin requirements, businesses must register to use the agreement, and preference must be claimed in the correct way. Getting this wrong can result in duty overpayments, incorrect declarations or compliance exposure. This course gives you the practical knowledge to use the agreement with confidence.
What You Will Learn
- What the UK-India Free Trade Agreement (CETA) is and what it covers
- How to register to use the agreement
- The rules of origin that apply, including specific rules, cumulation and minimal processing
- How to establish whether your goods qualify for preferential tariff rates
- How to claim preference correctly on imports and exports
- Other key provisions of the agreement relevant to UK traders
- How the Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS) interacts with the agreement
Who Should Attend
This course is designed for UK businesses that are currently trading with India or planning to do so. It is relevant to anyone involved in export or import activity, including shipping and logistics teams, customs and compliance staff, procurement teams and business owners responsible for managing trade costs and compliance.
A basic understanding of international trade is helpful but not essential. If you are new to trade agreements or rules of origin, our Trade Agreements and Rules of Origin course provides a strong foundation to take first.
Need Practical Support?
If you would prefer expert support alongside training, these are the most relevant next steps:
- Customs Export & Import Declarations — managed declaration services to ensure preference is claimed correctly
- Outsourced Shipping Department — full trade administration support if you want this handled for you
Not sure which route is best? Talk to a Trade Specialist.
Recommended Next Steps
Other courses to support your international trade activity:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the UK-India Free Trade Agreement?
The UK-India Free Trade Agreement is a bilateral trade deal between the United Kingdom and India that provides for preferential tariff rates on qualifying goods traded between the two countries, subject to meeting specific rules of origin requirements.
Do preferential duty rates apply automatically under the UK-India agreement?
No. Preferential rates must be actively claimed and goods must meet the applicable rules of origin. Businesses also need to register to use the agreement before preference can be applied.
What are rules of origin and why do they matter for UK-India trade?
Rules of origin determine whether goods are considered to originate in the UK or India for the purposes of the trade agreement. Only goods that meet the relevant origin criteria qualify for preferential duty rates — understanding these rules is essential to using the agreement correctly.
What is cumulation and how does it affect my goods?
Cumulation allows materials or processing from certain countries to count towards the origin requirements of your goods. The UK-India agreement includes specific cumulation provisions that may affect whether your products qualify, depending on your supply chain.
What is the Developing Countries Trading Scheme and is it relevant to India?
The Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS) is a UK unilateral preference scheme that previously offered reduced duties on imports from countries including India. This course explains how the DCTS interacts with the new bilateral trade agreement and which route may be most beneficial for your goods.
What happens if I claim preference incorrectly?
Incorrect preference claims can result in underpaid duties being recovered by HMRC, along with potential penalties and compliance exposure. This course helps you understand the requirements so preference is claimed accurately and defensibly.
"Exporter Services carried out some training for the company I work for recently and it was so informative! We all learnt a great deal and will definitely continue to use Exporter Services for import/export queries in the future."
Booking Options
Whether your organisation can book instantly or needs to follow a formal approval route, the process is simple and transparent.
Option 1 — Book & Pay Now
- Secure your place instantly by card payment via our Book Now button
- Receive a confirmation email immediately
- Shortly before the course, we'll send your handout and Zoom link
Option 2 — Request an Invoice
- Request a quote using the form at the bottom of the page for the number of delegates attending
- Once you confirm, we'll issue an invoice for immediate payment
- On payment, your place is secured and we'll send your handout and Zoom link before the session
Download our latest training brochure here.
Ready to get started?
Book now or request a quote using the form below.
Select a Training Date
£195 + VAT per delegate
Half day (09:30–12:30 or 13:30-16:30)
Live online via Zoom. Includes course materials + 30 mins Helpdesk follow-up.