Could your products qualify for lower tariffs?

A trade agreement could help your overseas customers pay less import duty. But are you checking whether your products qualify?
When you’re busy managing orders, production and deliveries, checking the detail of a trade agreement can slip down the list.
Yet it could make a difference to the cost of your products when they reach your customer. Lower import duties may help strengthen your offer, support repeat orders or make a new market worth exploring.
The important starting point is this: a trade agreement creates an opportunity. Your products still need to meet its conditions.
Trading with Canada? You now have two agreements to consider
Since 1 September 2026, UK businesses have been able to use CPTPP (Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership) when trading with Canada, alongside the existing UK–Canada Trade Continuity Agreement.
This means it is an ideal time for exporters to review their current arrangements.
The agreements can have different rules for deciding whether a product qualifies for lower tariffs. An agreement you have used previously may still be suitable, but it is worth comparing the options against your product, its materials and how it is manufactured.
For a manufacturer using components from several countries, those details matter. Check the rules under each agreement and the evidence needed before deciding which to use.
India: the detail matters
The UK–India trade agreement came into force on 15 July 2026, opening up new opportunities for exporters.
But tariff reductions do not all happen at the same time.
For example, India’s duty on qualifying UK whisky exports fell from 150% to 75% when the agreement took effect, with further reductions to 40% over ten years. Other products have their own schedules.
For your business, the useful question is: what rate applies to my product now, and what must I do to qualify?
Checking this before quoting or agreeing an order can help you and your customer understand the potential benefit.
Available savings are not always claimed
WTO research published in January 2025 found that some goods eligible for preferential tariffs were still entering markets under standard tariff rates. It identified complex origin requirements, administrative burdens and business decisions among the reasons.
This does not mean every exporter is missing a saving, but it does show why checking your position is worthwhile.

What could the difference look like?
As a simple illustration, reducing import duty from 6% to zero on goods with a customs value of £100,000 would save the importer £6,000 in duty.
Those figures are illustrative. The actual benefit depends on the product, destination, applicable rate and eligibility.
For an exporter, helping a customer understand a potential saving could be a valuable part of the sales conversation.
Find out where your business stands
Whether you are exploring a new market or reviewing established orders, Business West can help you understand the relevant origin rules and assess your products through our FTA Utilisation Service.
Speak to our International Trade team about your products, where you sell them and the opportunities worth checking.