Tariffs and Free Trade agreements (FTA) Advisory

Strategic Legal Counsel for India–UK Trade Relations

The India–United Kingdom Free Trade Agreement (FTA) represents a landmark shift in bilateral trade relations, offering unprecedented opportunities for businesses, investors, and professionals in both countries. As negotiations progress towards finalisation, the FTA is expected to significantly reduce tariffs, streamline customs procedures, promote services liberalisation, enhance investment protection, and provide a robust legal framework for trade dispute resolution.

At MLegal UK, we provide expert, forward-looking legal advisory to help you understand, plan for, and benefit from this transformative agreement. With a 23-year legacy in international commercial law and offices across India, UAE, Singapore, and the UK, we are uniquely equipped to advise businesses navigating the evolving landscape of India–UK trade.

Understanding the Tariffs and Free Trade agreements

The FTA, currently in advanced stages of negotiation, is aimed at:

• Reducing or eliminating tariffs on key exports and imports, including alcoholic beverages, automotive parts, textiles, pharmaceuticals, financial services, and technology
• Opening the Indian legal and professional services market to UK-based firms
• • Ensuring smoother regulatory cooperation, mutual recognition of standards, and investment protections
• Enabling digital trade, data transfer, and intellectual property rights (IPR) harmonisation
• Establishing mechanisms for dispute resolution and fair competition
• Once enacted, the agreement is set to benefit UK SMEs, legal services providers, investors, manufacturers, and tech firms seeking deeper market penetration in India.

Our Legal Services: Preparing You for FTA Opportunities

MLegal UK offers comprehensive legal support to companies, trade bodies, and professionals seeking to understand or utilise the FTA provisions. Our core services include:

FTA Impact Analysis & Legal Advisory

• In-depth analysis of tariff reductions, sectoral impacts, and trade facilitation
• Strategic advice on realigning business models to benefit from FTA incentives

Cross-Border Contracting & Trade Structuring

• Drafting, reviewing, and negotiating contracts in light of FTA provisions
• Advising on rules of origin, customs compliance, and re-export strategies

Regulatory and Market Entry Support

• Sector-specific advice for UK firms entering the Indian market under liberalised conditions
• Regulatory compliance for goods and services under FTA terms

Investment & Establishment Advisory

• Structuring joint ventures, subsidiaries, or acquisitions under favourable FTA conditions
• Assistance with navigating India’s evolving foreign investment regime

Dispute Resolution and Trade Remedies

• Representation in cross-border commercial disputes, arbitration, and trade remedy proceedings
• Guidance on how dispute resolution mechanisms under the FTA may apply

Preparing Your Business for the India–UK FTA

The India–UK FTA is not just a trade agreement—it’s a new legal and commercial ecosystem. Businesses that prepare early stand to gain competitive advantage. Whether you are planning market entry into India, exploring partnerships, or seeking to understand regulatory changes, MLegal UK can support you every step of the way.