The UK Government has confirmed that the UK-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) will enter into force on 15 July 2026, marking a significant milestone for British spirits producers seeking greater access to one of the world’s fastest-growing premium drinks markets.

From the implementation date, India’s import tariff on UK gin and whisky will reduce immediately from 150% to 75%, with a staged reduction to 40% over the next ten years.

The UK Government estimates that the agreement could increase UK beverage exports to India by around 180%, representing an additional £700 million in exports as British products become more competitive in the market.

Alongside tariff reductions, the agreement includes measures designed to simplify trade. Most goods will benefit from a 48-hour customs clearance target, while customs procedures will transition to a fully electronic documentation system, helping to reduce administrative burdens and improve the efficiency of cross-border trade.

While the agreement represents a major opportunity for the UK gin sector, exporters should be aware that challenges may remain. State-level excise duties, registration requirements and labelling regulations continue to vary across India and may still present barriers to market access despite the reduction in federal import tariffs.

We are encouraging members to report any trade barriers they encounter so that these can be raised with both the UK and Indian Governments as the agreement is implemented and monitored.