The India-UAE CEPA and the India-UK trade agreement can reduce or remove import duty on Indian tiles, but only for goods that qualify as Indian in origin and are backed by the right origin proof. The agreement sets the preference, and your customs broker confirms the actual rate on your tile code.
I have not quoted duty rates here. They depend on the exact tariff line and change, so ask your broker for the current rate and the agreement's schedule for your product.
What is the status of each agreement?
The India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement entered into force on 1 May 2022. The India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement entered into force on 15 July 2026, according to government announcements reported by IANS and Alvarez and Marsal. As of October 2026, check the official text for the staging of tariff cuts.
Tariff cuts in agreements are often phased, so the rate for tiles can differ by year and by tariff line.
What is origin, and why does it decide the saving?
A preference applies only to originating goods. The agreement sets rules for what counts as originating, usually a mix of wholly obtained materials, a change of tariff heading or a minimum local value added.
For tiles, ask the factory how its clay, glaze, frit and other inputs are sourced. Imported inputs can affect origin status. Do not assume that goods made in India qualify. Ask the factory to confirm the origin rule that applies and show how the product meets it.
What origin proof will be needed?
Each agreement names its own proof of origin. This may be a certificate issued by an authorised body in India or a declaration on the invoice, depending on the agreement and the stage of implementation. The proof must carry the exact product description and tariff code.
Common errors include a description that differs from the invoice, a missing date or signature, an expired certificate and a code that does not match. Read certificate of origin for tiles for the difference between preferential and non-preferential documents.
Does a trade agreement remove anti-dumping duty?
Not automatically. Trade remedies such as anti-dumping duties are separate from preferential tariffs. Check the position for your market and exporter. Our guide on import duties on Indian tiles in the Gulf, US and EU explains how the layers fit together.
How should you plan your first order?
Ask your broker for the duty with and without preference. Tell the factory before production that you need preferential origin proof, because it takes time to arrange and cannot easily be added after shipment. Add the origin certificate to the document list in documents needed for tile exports from India.
What if the duty saving is small?
A preference is worth chasing only if the saving justifies the paperwork. Some tile lines already carry a low or zero duty in some markets, and the benefit may be small. Ask your broker to compare the rate with and without the preference for your tariff line before you ask the factory to prepare origin papers, so you spend effort where it pays.
Next step
We check origin papers and shipping documents against the order before loading. To plan a UAE or UK order, book a free sourcing review.