According to the APLF, the agreement could generate an additional USD 1–1.5 billion in exports over the next three years.
The implementation of the India–UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) is set to strengthen India’s leather, footwear and allied industries by granting duty-free access to the UK market. According to information published by APLF, import duties of up to 16% on Indian leather and footwear products have been reduced to zero, creating new opportunities for exporters.
During the 2025/26 financial year, India exported USD 419.67 million worth of leather and footwear products to the UK. Leather footwear accounted for the largest share at USD 228.7 million, followed by leather goods (USD 102.2 million), saddlery and harness (USD 32.1 million), leather garments (USD 28.9 million), footwear components (USD 18.8 million), non-leather footwear (USD 8.2 million) and finished leather.
The Council for Leather Exports (CLE) estimates that the agreement could generate an additional USD 1 billion to USD 1.5 billion in exports over the next three years through improved market access, stronger international competitiveness and increased buyer confidence.
A key feature of the agreement is the introduction of self-certification for Certificates of Origin by eligible manufacturer-exporters. This is expected to simplify customs procedures, reduce documentation and transaction costs, accelerate customs clearance and improve the ease of doing business for exporters and UK importers alike.
Beyond higher export volumes, the trade agreement is also expected to support thousands of MSMEs, manufacturers, artisans and workers across the leather value chain. According to APLF, the CETA is likely to encourage further investment, technological upgrades, product innovation and more sustainable manufacturing within India’s leather and footwear industry.
