The UK-India Free Trade Agreement is moving closer to entry into force, and HMRC has already opened registration for businesses that plan to complete origin declarations. For exporters targeting the Indian market, this is one of the practical steps that can be taken now rather than later.
Without HMRC registration, UK producers and exporters will not be able to complete valid origin declarations under the agreement. That matters because Indian importers will need that declaration to claim the preferential tariff rates available under the deal.
What’s Changed
HMRC published guidance on 15/01/2026 confirming that UK producers and exporters can register now through the HMRC Origin Registration Portal if they intend to complete origin declarations for goods originating in the UK and exported to India.
The process requires the business’s EORI number, trading name, and a primary email address, plus up to 10 additional email addresses that can be used to send origin declarations to the Indian customs authority. HMRC also makes clear that if an email address is registered against more than one EORI number, the customs authority of India may be unable to authenticate the consignment. In that case, the importer in India may be unable to claim a preferential tariff.
Impact on UK Businesses
The UK-India agreement is expected to reduce Indian tariffs across a wide range of products, but those benefits will only be available where goods meet the rules of origin and the declaration process is completed correctly. Government guidance explains that goods can qualify in three main ways: they are wholly obtained, made entirely from originating materials, or made with non-originating materials that still meet the relevant product-specific rules.
Registration is only one part of readiness. Exporters also need to confirm whether their goods qualify as originating, gather supporting records, and make sure internal teams understand how declarations will be issued from day one. Businesses that leave this until the agreement is in force risk delays just when they want to move quickly.
TVCC Perspective
Our customs team has been monitoring this closely. For UK exporters, the main risk is assuming tariff preference will be available automatically when the agreement starts. It will not. Businesses need both origin eligibility and the correct HMRC registration in place. Early preparation matters across the UK, particularly for manufacturers, life sciences businesses, technology firms, and SMEs building new trade routes into India. Our trade team can support members through Rules of Origin Guidance, documentation support, and access to the India Desk, which offers practical help with market entry, regulatory guidance, market intelligence, and strategic connections for businesses trading with India.
What Members Should Do
Members planning to use the UK-India FTA should register with HMRC now, review the relevant product-specific rules, and confirm who in the business will be responsible for issuing origin declarations. They should also make sure their importer in India understands what documentation will be provided and when. For businesses developing their India strategy more broadly, this is also a good time to use TVCC’s India Desk, which provides support on market entry, regulatory guidance, market intelligence, and strategic connections. More information can be found here: https://www.thamesvalleychamber.co.uk/india-desk/
How TVCC Can Help
Our trade team can support members with Rules of Origin Guidance and International Trade Documentation so businesses are ready to use the agreement properly from the outset. Where exporters are entering India for the first time, our team can also help them understand the wider documentation and compliance picture.
For more information, contact our trade team on 01753 870560 or email trade@tvchamber.co.uk.
Resources:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/register-to-complete-origin-declarations-under-the-uk-india-free-trade-agreement
https://www.business.gov.uk/campaign/alive-with-opportunity/the-uk-india-trade-deal/rules-of-origin/
