India–UK CETA opens a new chapter for India’s leather & footwear sector

The Council for Leather Exports (CLE) on Wednesday joined the Department of Commerce, Government of India, in celebrating the historic India–UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) Flagging-off Ceremony held at Vanijya Bhawan, New Delhi. The ceremony marked the commencement of duty-free exports under the landmark Agreement, ushering in a new era of growth, competitiveness and market expansion for India’s leather, footwear and allied sectors.

The implementation of the India–UK CETA represents a transformational milestone for the Indian leather and footwear industry. With import duties of up to 16% on leather and footwear products reduced to zero and 99% of Indian tariff lines receiving immediate duty-free access to the UK market, Indian exporters will now compete on an equal footing with suppliers from countries enjoying preferential market access.

The Agreement is expected to significantly enhance India’s presence in one of the world’s largest premium markets. During FY 2025–26, India’s exports of leather and footwear products to the United Kingdom stood at USD 419.67 million. The Council projects that, with the implementation of CETA, the sector has the potential to generate additional exports of USD 1.0–1.5 billion over the next three years, driven by improved market access, enhanced competitiveness and stronger buyer confidence.

A major facilitative feature of the Agreement is the self-certification of Certificates of Origin by eligible manufacturer-exporters, enabling UK importers to claim preferential duty benefits seamlessly. This landmark provision will substantially improve the Ease of Doing Business, reduce documentation and transaction costs, expedite customs clearance and strengthen the confidence of
overseas buyers in sourcing from India.

The Agreement is expected to benefit thousands of MSMEs, manufacturers, artisans and workers engaged in the production of leather footwear, leather goods, saddlery, leather garments, footwear components and allied products. It will also encourage investments, technology upgradation, product innovation and sustainable manufacturing across the value chain.

Ramesh Juneja, Chairman, Council for Leather Exports said, “The India–UK CETA is a landmark achievement for India’s leather and footwear industry. It provides our exporters with unprecedented duty-free access to one of the world’s most premium markets and places Indian manufacturers on an equal competitive footing. We are confident that this Agreement will stimulate investment, create employment and significantly accelerate export growth from the sector. The Council remains committed to supporting exporters in fully leveraging the opportunities created by this historic Agreement.”

Mukhtarul Amin, Vice Chairman, Council for Leather Exports said, “Today’s flagging-off ceremony marks the beginning of a new chapter for the Indian leather and footwear sector. The Agreement strengthens Brand India, enhances buyer confidence and creates immense opportunities for MSMEs and manufacturing clusters across the country. We expect the sector to add nearly USD 750 mn to 1 billion in incremental exports over the next three years while expanding India’s footprint in the United Kingdom through quality, sustainability and innovation.”

Sanjay Leekha, Past Chairman, Council for Leather Exports said, “The India–UK CETA is the culmination of years of sustained engagement between the Government of India and industry. The immediate elimination of tariffs, combined with simplified Rules of Origin and self-certification of Certificates of Origin, will greatly improve the ease of doing business for Indian exporters. This Agreement will encourage long-term partnerships with UK buyers and open new avenues for value-added leather and footwear exports.”

The Council for Leather Exports expresses its sincere appreciation to the Government of India, under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Hon’ble Union Minister of Commerce & Industry Piyush Goyal, for concluding this landmark Agreement, which opens unprecedented opportunities for India’s leather and footwear sector.

The Council will continue to work closely with the Government and industry stakeholders to maximise the benefits of the India UK CETA and position India as a preferred global sourcing destination for leather, footwear and allied products.