India Offers Duty Relief on UK Pastries, Pet Food & Cosmetics; Sensitive Sectors Excluded

India has granted tariff concessions to a wide range of British goods under the recently signed free trade agreement (FTA), including pastries, pet food, cosmetics, and microwave ovens, while keeping sensitive sectors out to safeguard domestic interests.

- OUR CORRESPONDENT

NEW DELHI:

The comprehensive economic and trade agreement (CETA) also offers duty-free access to UK products such as cakes, protein concentrates, dog and cat food, soaps, shaving cream, detergents, and home appliances like air conditioners and washing machines.

However, the concessions are phased across sectors to give Indian industry sufficient time to prepare for enhanced competition from UK firms.

The agreement will come into force in about a year as it requires approval from the British Parliament. According to the analysis of think tank GTRI, India has committed to reducing or eliminating import tariffs on nearly 90 percent of goods originating from the United Kingdom.