UK-India FTA to Stimulate Cleaning Product Trade

The United Kingdom exported cleaning products worth ₹1.1K to India, involving 71 exporters and 55 buyers, according to Voiza United Kingdom Export Data.

Washing and general cleaning preparations led the product categories in this exchange. While this trade volume is relatively modest, it holds growth potential in the backdrop of a landmark Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the UK and India.

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The UK–India FTA, recently signed after over three years of negotiations, aims to ease red tape and reduce tariffs on key goods, thereby opening new opportunities for exporters from both countries. As per BBC reports, bilateral trade between the two countries stood at £42.6 billion last year and is projected to grow by £25.5 billion by 2040 as a result of the agreement.

Globally, Vietnam leads the list of cleaning product exporters with over 100,000 shipments, followed by China (94,263) and the United States (38,019). Although the UK is not yet among the top exporters to India in this segment, the FTA could support a more competitive position for British cleaning manufacturers, especially in premium product categories.

Beyond cleaning products, Indian exports such as footwear, clothing, food products (including frozen prawns), automobiles, gems and jewellery are expected to benefit from reduced levies.

On the UK side, whisky, gin, high-end cars, electrical and mechanical devices, cosmetics, chocolates, biscuits, lamb, salmon, and aerospace components will likely gain enhanced access to Indian markets.

Another significant provision of the FTA is a three-year exemption on social security contributions for employees temporarily assigned between the two nations. This means that Indian and UK employers and employees will pay contributions only in their home country, providing relief for businesses and professionals engaged in cross-border operations. As India is poised to become the third-largest economy by 2028, the new trade framework offers a timely opening for industries across the board, including cleaning and hygiene products, to scale their global outreach.