The Department of Commerce sets up FTA Utilisation Cell to help businesses tap trade pacts
- IBEF
- October 8, 2026
The Department of Commerce has set up an FTA Utilisation Cell to help Indian businesses understand and make greater use of the benefits and market access available under Free Trade Agreements (FTAs). Commerce Secretary Mr. Rajesh Agarwal said the cell will work with industry associations, Export Promotion Councils (EPCs) and state governments to improve FTA utilisation, identify new market opportunities and help businesses benefit from preferential market access. At the second India-EFTA Prosperity Summit, organised to mark the first anniversary of the India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA), the focus was on translating trade agreements into measurable outcomes. India has concluded trade agreements covering 32 countries, including the four EFTA nations, the 27-member European Union and the UK.
More than 99% of India’s trade value with EFTA countries now enters at zero tariff. The India-UK trade agreement came into force on July 15, while the agreement with the European Union is expected to become operational next year. The initiative aims to provide businesses with greater tariff certainty, supporting investment decisions and supply-chain planning while reducing market risks. Agriculture was highlighted as a significant opportunity, particularly in European markets, where several Indian agricultural products have received zero-duty or preferential access. Indian exports currently account for only a small share of the bloc’s approximately Rs. 47.44 lakh crore (US$ 500 billion) import basket. EPCs have been asked to prepare market-specific strategies and five-year action plans for each trade agreement, covering non-tariff barriers, quality standards and potential anchor companies. The utilisation cell is intended to convert the market-access potential created by FTAs into stronger trade outcomes.
Disclaimer: This information has been collected through secondary research and IBEF is not responsible for any errors in the same.
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