What is in the EU–India trade agreement

Trade in goods

India will eliminate tariffs on 86% of its tariff lines, covering 93% of EU exports by value. Including partial reductions and quotas, tariffs fall on 96.6% of EU goods exports. The EU will eliminate tariffs on more than 90% of its lines, 91% by value, with overall liberalisation reaching 99.3%.

Indian tariff cuts for EU exports

Product	EU exports to India, 2024	Indian tariff today	Under the agreement
Machinery and electrical equipment	€16.3 billion	up to 44%	0% for almost all products, mostly over 5 to 7 years
Aircraft and spacecraft	€6.4 billion	up to 11%	0% for almost all products, mostly over 5 years
Optical, medical and surgical equipment	€3.4 billion	up to 27.5%	0% for 90% of products
Chemicals	€3.2 billion	up to 22%	0% for almost all products, mostly from entry into force
Plastics	€2.2 billion	up to 16.5%	0% for almost all products, mostly over 7 years
Iron and steel	€1.5 billion	up to 22%	0% for almost all products
Motor vehicles	€1.6 billion	110%	10% within a quota of 250,000 vehicles
Pharmaceuticals	€1.1 billion	11%	0% for almost all products, mostly over 5 to 7 years

Food and drink

• Wine: from up to 150% to between 20% and 30%
• Spirits: down to 40%
• Beer: down to 50%
• Olive oil: from 40% to 0%
• Processed food such as bread and confectionery: from up to 30% to 0%

Sensitive products

The EU keeps its tariffs on beef, chicken, rice, sugar, soft wheat, milk powders, honey, bananas, garlic and ethanol. Limited quotas apply to products such as table grapes, cucumbers, sweetcorn and sheep and goat meat. A bilateral safeguard allows temporary measures if a surge of imports seriously harms domestic producers.

Rules of origin and customs

Preferential tariffs apply only to goods that are substantially made in the EU or India. Exporters certify origin themselves through a statement on origin, uploaded to a portal that the importing country's customs can check. Customs provisions add advance rulings, simplified procedures and faster release of goods.

Technical rules and food safety

New technical regulations must be open to public consultation for 60 days, with six months between publication and entry into force. A working group on conformity assessment will also cover India's Quality Control Orders. EU food safety rules continue to apply to every import from India, without exception.

Services, digital trade and intellectual property

India binds its current level of services openness, beyond what it has offered any other partner, including the UK and Australia. See services and professionals for details.

The digital trade chapter protects software source code from forced disclosure and sets rules on online consumer protection. The intellectual property chapter provides strong protection and enforcement for copyright, trademarks, designs, trade secrets and plant varieties.

Small businesses

Both sides will publish market-access information on a single public website and set up SME contact points, so smaller companies can find the rules that apply to their products.

Sustainable development

Both sides commit to the Paris Agreement and to core labour standards, including freedom of association and the elimination of forced and child labour. Neither side may weaken its environmental or labour laws to attract trade or investment. These commitments are enforceable through a dedicated consultation mechanism, with a role for civil society.

Institutions and disputes

A Joint Committee oversees the agreement, with a rapid reaction mechanism to escalate trade concerns. Disputes go to independent panels whose rulings are binding. The agreement will be reviewed after five years.