The India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement has created a more favourable framework for medical device trade by paving the way for regulatory recognition and improved market access. Still, industry players are urging stronger safeguards to prevent third-country rerouting. The concern is that products from non-FTA countries, especially China, could be routed through the UK to benefit from preferential duty treatment in India.
The agreement, which has now come into effect, is expected to benefit Indian medical device manufacturers by making exports to the UK more predictable and by strengthening the case for mutual recognition of regulatory standards. It also introduces a more structured trade environment for devices that are certified by Indian regulators, helping Indian firms expand their presence in a key developed market.
At the same time, the Association of Indian Medical Device Industry (AiMeD) has flagged the need for strict checks on origin and customs compliance. The industry body has warned that without robust enforcement, third-country manufacturers could try to exploit the agreement, undermining domestic producers even as the pact opens new export opportunities for genuine Indian exporters.
The trade deal is being seen as an important step for India’s medtech sector, which has been seeking deeper access to advanced markets while also pushing for a level playing field at home. Industry stakeholders say the next phase will depend on how effectively both governments implement rules of origin, certification and monitoring mechanisms to ensure the pact supports bilateral trade without opening the door to rerouting concerns.
