Inviting TRQ Applications under India–UK CETA 2026 | DGFT Public Notice Explained

Key Takeaways

• DGFT has invited applications for Tariff Rate Quota (TRQ) under the India–United Kingdom Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) for Calendar Year 2026.
• Applications are accepted from 21 July 2026 to 04 August 2026.
• The notification has been issued through Public Notice No. 22/2026-27 dated 20 July 2026.
• The TRQ covers specified passenger vehicles and electric/hydrogen fuel cell vehicles imported as Completely Built Units (CBUs).
• Importers must follow the procedure prescribed under Annexure-VII of Appendix 2A of FTP 2023, as referred to in the notification.

Introduction

The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), Ministry of Commerce & Industry, has issued Public Notice No. 22/2026-27 dated 20 July 2026, inviting applications for allocation of Tariff Rate Quota (TRQ) under the India–United Kingdom Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) for Calendar Year (CY) 2026.

This notification is particularly important for automobile importers planning to import eligible vehicles from the United Kingdom under the preferential tariff benefits available through the India–UK CETA. Businesses intending to avail these benefits should understand the notified product categories, quota limits, application timeline, and procedural requirements before submitting their applications.

What is the India–UK CETA Tariff Rate Quota (TRQ)?

A Tariff Rate Quota (TRQ) allows eligible imports of specified products at a preferential customs duty up to a notified quantity. Once the quota is exhausted, normal customs duties may become applicable according to the prevailing regulations.

Under the India–UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), DGFT allocates these quotas in accordance with the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) and the prescribed allocation procedure.

Latest DGFT Public Notice

According to the uploaded notification:

• Public Notice: No. 22/2026-27
• Date: 20 July 2026
• Issued by: Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), Ministry of Commerce & Industry
• Reference: Issued under Paragraphs 1.03 and 2.04 of the Foreign Trade Policy, 2023, and in continuation of Public Notice No. 19/2026-27 dated 09.07.2026.

Eligible Products Covered Under the TRQ

The notification covers specified motor vehicles imported as Completely Built Units (CBUs) under the notified tariff headings.

The categories include:

1. Passenger Vehicles

Eligible passenger vehicles imported as CBUs under the notified tariff items, including:

• Petrol vehicles with specified engine capacities
• Diesel vehicles within the notified engine capacity limits
• Passenger vehicles exceeding the prescribed engine capacity

The notification specifies separate quota allocations for different engine capacity categories.

2. Electric and Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles

The notification also covers:

• Motor vehicles for transport of persons
• Operated by electric power
• Operated by hydrogen fuel cells
• Imported as Completely Built Units (CBUs)

TRQ Quantities Notified

The DGFT notification provides the following quota allocations:

These allocations are available only for the products and tariff items notified by DGFT under the India–UK CETA.

Application Timeline

One of the most important aspects of the notification is the application window.

• Application Opens: 21 July 2026
• Application Closes: 04 August 2026

Applications submitted after the notified deadline may not be considered for allocation. Importers should therefore complete all documentation well before the closing date.

Import Procedure

The notification clearly states that imports under these tariff items shall be governed by the procedure prescribed under:

• Annexure-VII of Appendix 2A
• Foreign Trade Policy (FTP), 2023
• As referred to in Public Notice No. 19/2026-27 dated 09.07.2026.

Applicants should carefully review the applicable procedural requirements before filing their TRQ application.

Featured Snippet

DGFT has invited applications for Tariff Rate Quota (TRQ) allocation under the India–United Kingdom Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) for Calendar Year 2026. Applications are open from 21 July 2026 to 04 August 2026 for notified vehicle categories, subject to the procedure prescribed under Annexure-VII of Appendix 2A of FTP 2023.

Best Practices for Applicants

To improve the chances of a smooth application process:

• Review the notified tariff headings carefully.
• Confirm that your imported product falls within the eligible category.
• Keep all import-related documents ready before applying.
• Follow the application procedure prescribed by DGFT.
• Submit the application well before the deadline.
• Monitor DGFT notifications for any subsequent clarifications.

Why Professional Assistance Matters

TRQ allocations involve regulatory interpretation, correct product classification, and compliance with DGFT procedures. Incorrect classification or incomplete documentation can delay the application process or affect eligibility.

Experienced consultants can assist businesses in understanding the applicable provisions, reviewing documentation, and ensuring compliance with DGFT requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who has issued the TRQ notification?

The notification has been issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India.

2. What is the application period?

Applications are invited from 21 July 2026 to 04 August 2026.

3. Which products are covered?

The notification covers specified passenger vehicles and electric/hydrogen fuel cell vehicles imported as Completely Built Units (CBUs) under the notified tariff items.

4. What is a Tariff Rate Quota (TRQ)?

A TRQ allows eligible imports of specified products at preferential tariff rates up to the allocated quota quantity.

5. Which procedure applies to imports under this notification?

Imports are subject to the procedure prescribed under Annexure-VII of Appendix 2A of FTP 2023, as referenced in the notification.

6. Can applications be filed after 04 August 2026?

The notification invites applications only during the specified application period ending on 04 August 2026.

Conclusion

The latest DGFT Public Notice inviting TRQ applications under the India–United Kingdom Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) provides an important opportunity for eligible automobile importers to benefit from preferential tariff treatment during Calendar Year 2026.

Businesses planning to import eligible vehicles should carefully review the notified tariff items, understand the applicable quota allocations, comply with the prescribed import procedure, and submit their applications within the notified timeline to avoid missing this opportunity.

Need Assistance with DGFT TRQ Applications?

A V International has over 35 years of experience in DGFT compliance, import-export consulting, licensing, and regulatory approvals. Whether you need assistance with TRQ applications, DGFT authorizations, IEC-related services, or other international trade compliances, our experts can help you navigate the process efficiently and compliantly.

Contact A V International today for professional guidance on your DGFT and international trade compliance requirements.

Written By

Akash Bhangare

Having more than 10 years of experience in EPR Compliance, Legal Metrology, DGFT Regulations, and Import Export Consulting Services in India.

Associated with A V International, a company with over 35 years of expertise in Environmental Compliance, EPR Registrations, Licensing, and Regulatory Approvals.