The Indian government has invited applications from eligible importers for tariff-rate quotas (TRQs) covering imports of passenger vehicles from the United Kingdom under the India–UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), marking another step toward implementing the recently concluded trade pact.
The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has issued the application process for allocating import quotas that will allow eligible vehicles from the UK to enter India at concessional customs duty rates, subject to the terms and annual quota limits specified under the agreement.
The quota mechanism is designed to ensure transparent and equitable allocation among importers while facilitating phased market access for British automobile manufacturers. Importers will be required to meet prescribed eligibility criteria and comply with documentation and regulatory requirements outlined by the DGFT.
The India–UK CETA aims to deepen bilateral trade and investment by reducing tariffs across a wide range of goods and improving market access for businesses in both countries. The vehicle quota system is one of the key provisions of the agreement, balancing greater consumer choice with safeguards for India’s domestic automotive industry.
Industry stakeholders expect the concessional import regime to benefit premium and luxury vehicle brands manufactured in the UK while encouraging greater trade and investment between the two countries. The move is also expected to provide Indian consumers with wider access to UK-built vehicles under a structured and regulated import framework.