GTRI Urges India to Strengthen Certification and Standards to Maximise India–UK FTA Benefits

Think tank says stronger standards, certification, logistics and buyer linkages are essential to convert market access into higher exports under the India-UK trade agreement.

The India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) will take effect from July 15, providing Indian businesses with enhanced access to the UK market. According to the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI), market access alone will not automatically lead to higher exports unless the country strengthens standards, certification systems, logistics infrastructure and buyer linkages.

The think tank said that without parallel improvements in standards, certification, logistics, regulatory approvals and buyer networks, much of the opportunity created by the agreement could remain unrealised.

"Without parallel work on standards, certification, logistics, regulatory approvals and buyer networks, much of the opportunity will remain on paper. The agreement opens the door; India must now convert access into exports," the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) said.

Referring to sector-specific requirements, GTRI Founder Ajay Srivastava said food exporters would need stronger testing, traceability and compliance with UK sanitary and phytosanitary regulations. He added that machinery and electronics manufacturers would require certification, technology adoption and stronger buyer connections to expand exports.

Srivastava further said automobile exporters must comply with rules of origin and technical requirements, while producers in the garment, leather and footwear sectors should act quickly to convert tariff savings into export orders before competing suppliers adjust to the new trade environment.

The think tank noted that the agreement presents new opportunities for Indian exporters, but achieving sustained export growth will depend on strengthening compliance systems, improving logistics and building stronger commercial relationships with buyers in the UK.