DGFT Opens India–UK CETA Vehicle Import Quota Applications for 2027

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Dated: 06.11.2026

DGFT Opens India–UK CETA Vehicle Import Quota Applications for 2027

India’s Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has invited fresh applications for Tariff Rate Quota (TRQ) allocations under the India–United Kingdom Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) for calendar year 2027. The application window runs from 6 November 2026 to 21 November 2026.

The notice covers specified UK-origin vehicles imported as Completely Built Units (CBUs), including passenger vehicles across engine-capacity bands and certain non-electric, non-hydrogen goods vehicles. TRQs allow eligible imports up to a defined quantity under the preferential arrangements established through the trade agreement.

TRQ quantities available for 2027

The allocation covers the following vehicle categories:

Passenger CBUs with engine capacity not exceeding 1,500 cc: 6,000 vehicles
Petrol passenger CBUs above 1,500 cc and up to 3,000 cc, or diesel passenger CBUs above 1,500 cc and up to 2,500 cc: 6,000 vehicles
Petrol passenger CBUs above 3,000 cc, or diesel passenger CBUs above 2,500 cc: 12,500 vehicles
Goods transport vehicles imported as CBUs, excluding electric and hydrogen-fuel vehicles: 2,750 vehicles

In total, the notice makes available TRQ coverage for 27,250 vehicles across the listed categories.

Vehicles covered

The passenger-vehicle quota applies to a range of customs tariff lines under Chapter 87, covering imported motor vehicles that have not previously been registered anywhere before importation. The allocation is differentiated by engine capacity and fuel type, reflecting separate quota bands for smaller vehicles, mid-range petrol and diesel vehicles, and larger-engine vehicles.

The goods-vehicle quota applies to motor vehicles for transporting goods under specified tariff headings. However, electric vehicles and hydrogen-fuel vehicles are expressly excluded from this category.

Application process and governing rules

Applicants must follow the import arrangements and procedures set out in Annexure VII of Appendix 2A of the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2023. These procedures were notified earlier through Public Notice No. 19/2026-27 dated 9 July 2026.

The new public notice has been issued by the DGFT under the powers provided in paragraphs 1.03 and 2.04 of the FTP 2023. It specifically calls for fresh TRQ applications for the 2027 calendar year and does not change the underlying procedural framework.

Why the notice matters

The TRQ mechanism creates a defined route for importing eligible UK vehicles under the India–UK CETA framework. For importers, manufacturers, and automotive businesses, the key operational issue is securing an allocation within the short application period.

The separate quota bands also make vehicle classification, engine capacity, fuel type, and CBU status central to determining eligibility and the applicable allocation category. The notice was issued by the Director General of Foreign Trade, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India, on 6 November 2026.

In case you face any issues related to Indirect Tax-Customs, GST, Foreign Trade Policy (FTP), Arbitration matters and Central Licensing and related advisory matters in India then please feel free to get in touch with SJ EXIM Services.

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Source: DGFT

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