Parliament Question: Impact of FTA on Export

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2639 ANSWERED ON 04/08/2026 IMPACT OF FTA ON EXPORT 2639. SHRI GAURAV GOGOI: Will the Minister of COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY (वाणिज्य एवं उद्योग मंत्री) be pleased to state: (a) the details of tariff concessions, if any, agreed for tea under the India-UK FTA and the phase-wise timeline for reduction; (b) the rules of origin requirements that Assam tea exporters must meet to avail these concessions; (c) the projected increase in Assam tea exports to the UK following the agreement; and (d) whether the Tea Board of India was consulted during negotiations and if so, the details thereof? ANSWER वाणिज्य और उद्योग मंत्रालय में राज्य मंत्री (श्री णिणिन प्रसाद) THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY (SHRI JITIN PRASADA) (a) The India-UK Comprehensive Trade and Economic Agreement (CETA) has provided zero duty access at entry into force for exports of tea from India. (b) The product specific rule requirements that must be met to avail the tariff concessions on tea are as under: Chapter/ heading/ Description Product Specific Rule subheading of Origin 090210 Green tea (not fermented) in immediate Change in Tariff Sub packings of a content not exceeding 3kg Heading (CTSH); or blending 090220 Green tea (not fermented) in immediate Change in Chapter packings of a content exceeding 3kg (CC); or blending 090230 Black tea (fermented) and partly fermented Change in Tariff Sub tea, in immediate packings of a content not Heading (CTSH); or exceeding 3kg blending 1090240 Black tea (fermented) and partly fermented Change in Chapter tea, in immediate packings of a content (CC); or blending exceeding 3kg (c) CETA gives Indian exporters access at zero duty to the UK market. UK imported tea worth around USD 400 mn in 2025 from the world. Zero duty access under CETA will provide a boost to competitiveness of exports of tea from India, including Assam. (d) The negotiating positions in Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) such as CETA are formulated based on consultations with relevant stakeholders including the Tea Board. India and UK engaged diligently to conclude a trade deal that is fair, equitable and takes into consideration the ambitions and sensitivities of both the sides. ***** 2