Overview
15th July 2026 marks an important milestone for the UK footwear industry with the
UK-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) officially comes into force. This agreement creates new opportunities for footwear businesses, including reduced tariffs on qualifying imports from India, improved market access, and greater certainty for companies developing UK–India sourcing and trading relationships.
What This Means For The Footwear Industry
India is already one of the world’s largest footwear manufacturing nations and a key competitive sourcing destination for global brands and retailers. As the third-largest footwear manufacturer globally, behind China and Vietnam, India has a rapidly expanding manufacturing base, supported by improving infrastructure, skilled craftsmanship, and sound progress in sustainability, compliance, and ESG practices.
Key Impacts For The Footwear Industry
- Reduced import duties: The UK’s new preferential tariff arrangements will reduce import duties on qualifying footwear and other products from India, making India an even more competitive sourcing destination for UK businesses.
- 0% duty on qualifying footwear imports: Our partners, Trade Harmonizer and Hexagon Consulting, have confirmed that footwear classified under HS codes 6401, 6402, 6403, 6404, 6405 and 6406 are eligible for a 0% UK import duty under the new tariff arrangements. Business should verify applicable tariffs and product classifications using the UK Government Tariff look up tool before importing.
- Goods already in transit: Goods already in transit will also benefit from the new arrangements.
- Simplified trade processes: The agreement simplifies customs processes, supports digital trade, and enables faster, smoother, and more predictable trade between the UK and India.
- Improved export opportunities: UK exporters will benefit from significantly improved access to the Indian market, as India removes or reduces tariffs across around 90% of tariff lines. Many tariff reductions will take effect immediately, with further reductions being phased in over time.
What This Means For Your Business
India is already a key sourcing partner for many UK businesses, supplying footwear, components, leather, and materials. Its growing capabilities in casual and sports footwear, combined with its long-standing strength in leather manufacturing, further enhance its appeal as a strategic sourcing destination.
Preferential tariff treatment will enhance the competitiveness of qualifying imports while supporting businesses in diversifying and strengthening their sourcing strategies.
The agreement delivers greater predictability for businesses seeking to develop long-term supplier relationships, investment partnerships, and resilient UK–India supply chains. It also creates new opportunities for UK exporters in India’s rapidly growing market of over 1.4 billion consumers, where demand for premium British brands is increasing.
Accessing the Benefits: Check Your Eligibility
To benefit from reduced tariffs, businesses must ensure they satisfy the agreement’s Rules of Origin and have the correct supporting documentation in place.
Simply buying goods from India does NOT automatically qualify shipments for preferential tariff rates. Our advisors recommend using an origin declaration on the commercial invoice, as the preferred method of demonstrating eligibility.
Businesses should also review:
- HS commodity codes
- Rules of Origin
- Supplier declarations
- Customs procedures
- Commercial documentation
The BFA recommends that members speak with specialist partners who can offer advice.
Freight & Customs Support
RIF and Colvanbridge
HS Codes, Tariffs, Customs Audit and Compliance Support
Trade Harmonizer and Hexagon Consulting
Additional Information
The Department for Business and Trade has published detailed guidance for businesses trading under the agreement, including practical information on requirements, opportunities, and export support. Access the guidance here
The full UK-India Trade agreement is available here
BFA Supports The Industry
International trade is increasingly complex, and understanding how to effectively leverage trade agreements can provide businesses with a significant competitive advantage.
The BFA is working with the Department of Business and Trade, customs specialists, and industry experts to help members understand how this agreement impacts footwear sourcing, importing, and exporting. If you require further information, contact us at info@britishfootwearassociation.co.uk