TEXPROCIL: Webinar on India–UK CETA: Rules of Origin, Customs Compliance and Sectoral Opportunities moderated by Dr. Siddhartha Rajagopal l Executive Director · TEXPROCIL The operationalisation of the India–UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) has opened a new chapter for Indian exporters by providing immediate duty-free access to nearly 99% of India's merchandise exports to the United Kingdom.
However, industry experts emphasised that tariff elimination alone does not guarantee preferential market access. Compliance with Rules of Origin (RoO) and meticulous documentation will be the decisive factors in enabling exporters to fully leverage the agreement.
During an industry webinar organised by TEXPROCIL, participants were guided through the legal and practical aspects of the newly implemented trade pact. The session highlighted that although CETA entered into force on 24 July 2026, following its formal signing in London after 14 rounds of negotiations, exporters must ensure their products satisfy the prescribed origin criteria before claiming preferential duty benefits.
Speakers noted that the textile and apparel sector, with its multi-stage manufacturing process—from fibre, spinning, weaving or knitting, processing, dyeing, finishing and garment manufacturing—requires careful compliance with origin requirements. Maintaining production records, value-addition details and commercial documentation is essential to establish product eligibility under the agreement.
The webinar also explained the government's notified procedures, including electronic filing of Preferential Certificates of Origin through the Trade Connect e-Platform of the Ministry of Commerce. Participants were briefed on CBIC guidelines, self-certification provisions, retrospective and delayed claims, and transitional issues affecting consignments shipped during the implementation phase.
Industry experts stressed that exporters should not treat duty-free access as automatic but should instead build robust compliance systems to avoid disputes and ensure seamless customs clearance in the UK market.
The technical session featured detailed presentations by Maheshwari and Disha Bhandari of Lakshmikumaran & Sridharan Attorneys, both recognised experts in customs law, international trade, WTO regulations and Rules of Origin. They provided practical guidance on documentation, compliance requirements, customs procedures and risk mitigation strategies, enabling exporters to confidently navigate the new regulatory framework under the India–UK CETA.
The webinar concluded with a strong message that understanding and implementing Rules of Origin effectively will be the cornerstone for Indian textile exporters seeking to maximise the commercial opportunities created by the landmark India–UK trade agreement.
Credits: Based on the TEXPROCIL webinar on the India–UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) and presentations by industry experts.
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