India, UK bring free trade agreement into force

3 min read

The India-UK free trade agreement will enter into force on July 15 and reduces duties on UK whisky and gin from 150% to 75%, and to 40% in the tenth year. Industry groups CIABC and ISWAI welcomed the pact as a boost to bilateral trade, premiumisation and the spirits value chain, while CIABC urged states to withdraw concessions such as lower brand registration fees and reduced excise duties for bottled-in-origin brands. ISWAI noted imported spirits are about 2.5% of India’s 400 million case market and that 79% of Scotch imports arrive in bulk for local bottling.

India cuts duty on UK whisky and gin from 150% to 75%