India and United Kingdom to implement CETA and Social Security Pact from July 15, 2026

Key facts

• The Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) and the Agreement on Social Security Contributions, also known as the Double Contribution Convention (DCC), will come into force on July 15, 2026.
• The CETA comprises 30 chapters covering digital trade, telecommunications, financial services, intellectual property rights, government procurement, innovation, small and medium enterprises, sustainability, and transparency.
• UK tariffs will be reduced to zero for Indian processed food products (70 per cent), marine products (21.5 per cent), engineering goods and auto components (18 per cent), leather and footwear products (16 per cent), textiles and clothing (12 per cent), and chemicals and pharmaceutical products (8 per cent).
• India has safeguarded sensitive sectors from import competition, including dairy products, cereals, millets, edible oils, oilseeds, apples, and several vegetable products.
• The DCC extends the exemption period from dual social security contributions for Indian professionals in the UK from three years to five years, benefiting over 75,000 professionals and 900 companies.
• The pact grants dedicated annual mobility opportunities in the UK for 1,800 Indian chefs, yoga instructors, and classical musicians.
• Eighty-five per cent of India's steel exports will remain outside the scope of new UK measures scheduled to take effect from July 1, 2026.
• The agreement aligns with the India-UK Enhanced Trade Partnership and Roadmap 2030, which aims to double bilateral trade to USD 100 billion by 2030.