Expert breaks down the biggest misunderstandings of the UK-India trade agreement.

People sending parcels to relatives in India should not expect cheaper postage overnight following the introduction of the UK-India trade agreement.

The deal, which came into effect on the 15th July 2026, reduces tariffs on 90% of product categories from the UK and aims to simplify customs procedures.

Asad Mirza, Director at parcel delivery specialist Cargo Force, said:

“We’ve noticed customers asking whether sending parcels to India will now become cheaper, or assuming their parcels will be duty-free because of the agreement.

“There is a widespread assumption that a trade deal automatically means lower postage or no customs charges on personal parcels, but that isn’t the case.”

Mirza explains what the agreement could mean for shipping costs, customs checks and delivery times, as well as the rules that will remain unchanged.

What should people sending parcels know?
Before posting a package from the UK to India, Cargo Force recommends checking the rules for every item inside the parcel and confirming whether the recipient may face charges when it arrives.

Senders should also:

Describe every item clearly on the customs declaration

Provide the genuine value, including for gifts

Check where each product was manufactured

Confirm that none of the contents are prohibited or restricted

Keep receipts or other proof of value

Include the recipient’s full address, postcode and contact number

Allow additional time during festivals and other busy periods

Will sending parcels to India become cheaper?
Although the agreement could reduce the customs charges applied to certain goods, it is important to separate customs duties from the delivery price, as Mirza explains:

“Courier charges are still affected by factors such as the parcel’s weight and dimensions, meaning families should not expect the price quoted when sending a parcel to suddenly become much cheaper.”

“Posting an item from Britain does not necessarily make it a British product. If something was manufactured in another country and then purchased in the UK, it may not meet the agreement’s rules of origin.

“Taxes, customs-handling charges and courier fees may also remain payable even when the tariff on a product has been reduced.”

Will customs become simpler?
The agreement includes commitments to electronic documentation, paperless trade and more transparent customs procedures.

Mirza explained:

“The greater use of digital documents should make the customs process more consistent and easier to navigate over time.

“However, people sending parcels will still need to complete a customs declaration. They must clearly explain what the package contains, provide an accurate value and state whether the items are gifts, personal belongings or commercial goods.”

Cargo Force advises senders to avoid vague descriptions such as “gift”, “clothing” or “personal items” when completing customs documents.

Will deliveries become quicker?
Simpler customs processes could reduce the amount of time some parcels spend awaiting clearance. However, the agreement does not guarantee that deliveries from the UK will reach India within 48 hours.

Mirza said:

“The 48-hour target relates to customs authorities endeavouring to release goods within that period. It is not a promise that a parcel will travel from a UK address to its final destination in India in two days.

“Delivery times will still depend on the service selected, flight availability, customs inspections and the recipient’s location.”

What is likely to change in the short term?
For everyday parcel senders, the first noticeable change may be clearer customs guidance and the increased use of electronic documents rather than a dramatic fall in delivery prices.

Mirza explained:

“In the short term, the greatest change is likely to be behind the scenes, as customs authorities, couriers and exporters adapt their systems to the new rules.

“Consumers may gradually benefit from a more predictable customs process.”

What will not change immediately?
Customs declarations, inspections and restrictions on certain products will remain in place. The agreement also phases in some tariff reductions over several years rather than removing every charge immediately.

Mirza said:

“Food, medicines, cosmetics, electronics and other regulated products may still be subject to restrictions or require extra documentation. Couriers may also continue to apply handling and customs-clearance fees.

“For families sending occasional parcels, postage will not suddenly become free and customs checks will not disappear. However, clearer digital processes and faster clearance could gradually make sending parcels to India more straightforward.”