The trade deal, for Indian exporters
The EU and India concluded their trade agreement on 27 January 2026. Signature is expected by the end of 2026, with entry into force after ratification. You can prepare now.
What was agreed
Based on the summaries published when negotiations concluded:
- The EU will eliminate tariffs on more than 90% of tariff lines, covering about 91% of trade by value, with partial liberalisation for most of the rest.
- Most Indian exports by value would face zero EU duties from entry into force; some lines phase out over three to five years, and a small share face quotas.
- Labour-intensive sectors that gain immediate EU duty elimination include textiles and apparel, leather and footwear, tea, coffee and spices, and gems and jewellery.
The final legal text, including product schedules, is what matters for your products. Check it once published.
Rules of origin
Preferential tariffs only apply if your product qualifies as "originating" under the agreement's rules of origin. The agreement follows recent EU practice, based on self-certification through origin statements. Review your bill of materials now: products with significant imported inputs may need changes to qualify.
What does not change
- EU product rules. Lower tariffs do not change CE marking, chemical rules, food safety standards or labelling. See EU product rules.
- CBAM. The EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, which applies to imports of steel, aluminium, cement, fertilisers, hydrogen and electricity, continues to apply. Exporters in these sectors need emissions data.
Timeline
| Step | Expected |
|---|---|
| Negotiations concluded | 27 January 2026 |
| Proposal sent to EU governments | 11 September 2026 |
| Signature | expected by the end of 2026 |
| Entry into force | after European Parliament consent and ratification in India |
How to prepare
- Find your products' HS codes and current EU tariffs on Access2Markets.
- Check your products against EU technical and safety rules.
- Map your supply chain for rules of origin.
- Prepare for CBAM reporting if you are in a covered sector.
- Start conversations with European buyers now, ahead of competitors.
Read next
- Where the EU–India trade deal standsConcluded in January 2026, with signature expected by the end of the year. What the EU–India FTA changes, for whom, and when.
- EU product rulesTariffs set your price. These rules decide whether you can sell at all.
- Expanding your Indian company into EuropeMarket entry into the EU for Indian companies: where to start, which model, and the first decisions.
