: Mumbai, 15^th July 2026

In a significant step towards operationalizing the benefits of the India–United Kingdom Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), export consignments to the United Kingdom were ceremonially flagged off at three locations in Mumbai Metropolitan Region today. The flagging offs were held at Bharat Diamond Bourse in Bandra-Kurla Complex, Nhava Sheva and SEEPZ-SEZ, thereby marking the commencement of export shipments under the landmark trade agreement. The India–UK CETA will strengthen bilateral trade, improve market access for Indian products in the United Kingdom and enhance export opportunities for Indian businesses. The India–UK CETA is expected to strengthen economic cooperation between India and the United Kingdom, facilitate growth in bilateral trade and create new opportunities for Indian exporters across sectors, contributing to India's vision of becoming a globally competitive trading nation.

At Bharat Diamond Bourse, the India–UK CETA flagging-off ceremony was attended by Shri Vishwajeet Chimankar, Deputy DGFT, Shri Santoshkumar Mishra, Commissioner of Customs (PCCCC), and Shri Kiran Kumar, Joint Commissioner of Customs (PCCC). The event also witnessed the participation of exporters.

Ceremonial flagging-off at Bharat Diamond Bourse, BKC

The flagging-off ceremony marked the beginning of export shipments under the India–UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA). The Agreement is expected to promote bilateral trade, improve market access for Indian products in the United Kingdom and enhance export opportunities for Indian businesses. Several sectors, including gems & jewellery, textiles, leather, marine products, engineering goods, footwear and MSMEs, are expected to benefit from the preferential tariff provisions under the agreement.

At Nhava Sheva, DGFT Regional Authority, Mumbai organized the India–UK CETA flagging-off ceremony at India's largest containerized cargo port. The dignitaries present on the occasion included Shri Vimal Kumar Srivastava, Chief Commissioner of Customs, Mumbai Zone II, along with Shri Giridhar Pai, Commissioner of Customs, Mumbai Zone II; Shri B.N. Vishwas, Joint DGFT; Shri Ramesh Holeyachi, Joint DGFT; Shri Backiyavelu Mutharasu, Deputy DGFT; along with senior officers of DGFT and Customs, representatives of the export fraternity, customs brokers, logistics stakeholders and trade bodies’ representatives.

Ceremonial flagging-off at Nhava Sheva (Jawaharlal Nehru Custom House)

During the ceremony, export consignments from seven exporters representing diverse sectors, including chemicals, pharmaceuticals, plastics, food products, enzymes and spices, were flagged off, marking the commencement of exports from Nhava Sheva Port under the India–UK CETA.

At SEEPZ-SEZ, the launch of the India–UK CETA was marked with a flag-off ceremony of export shipments to the United Kingdom at the Mega Common Facilitation Centre. Shri Dnyaneshwar B. Patil, Development Commissioner, SEEPZ-SEZ, led the event in the presence of Shri Adil Kotwal, President, SGJMA; Shri Vijay Gujarati, Chairman, SEEMA; Shri Colin Shah, Ex-Chairman and Mega CFC Working Committee Member; Shri Bharat Ghori, COA Member, GJEPC & Diamond Panel Committee, along with SEEPZ officials and trade stakeholders.

Ceremonial flagging-off at SEEPZ-SEZ

A presentation on the India–UK CETA at SEEPZ-SEZ highlighted the significance of the landmark agreement and the opportunities it offers across key export sectors for Indian exporters. For the Gems & Jewellery sector, which contributes over ₹2,109 crore of SEEPZ's exports to the UK, the elimination of the UK's 4 per cent import duty from today is expected to provide an immediate annual tariff benefit of about ₹84 crore. The Agreement is also expected to enhance price competitiveness, improve exporter margins, attract higher investments, generate employment and significantly boost exports from SEEPZ-SEZ to the United Kingdom in the coming years.

The flagging-off ceremonies also provided an opportunity to create awareness among exporters regarding the procedural requirements for availing the benefits under the Agreement, including compliance with Rules of Origin, documentation requirements and other related export procedures.

PIB Mumbai | Sriyanka Chatterjee/ Edgar Coelho/Priti Malandkar

 

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