The India-UK free trade agreement (FTA), is set to create fresh opportunities for Indian pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturers. The deal is also expected to enhance access to advanced UK-made medical devices in India, strengthening bilateral trade ties.
Regulatory Clarity Key for Medtech Players
While the FTA promises growth, medical device makers are awaiting clarity on non-tariff measures and streamlined regulatory approvals. “Previously, medical devices imported into the UK were duty-free, so tariffs were not an issue. But regulatory approval costs and long timelines were challenging,” explained Rajiv Nath, forum coordinator of the Association of Indian Medical Device Industry (AIMED). The industry body has sought recognition of approvals from India’s CDSCO or the Quality Council of India’s voluntary certification to fast-track clearances by the UK’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
Calls for Vigilance Against Rerouted Imports
Indian medtech companies are also urging stricter monitoring of imports to prevent other countries from rerouting products through the UK to exploit the zero-tariff benefits. Domestic manufacturers had earlier raised concerns that Chinese-origin products could enter India indirectly under the new framework. India currently levies 7.5% import duties on medical devices from the UK and will gradually reduce them under the FTA
Trade Data Reflects Strong Growth
According to Exim data, Indian medical device exports to the UK grew 13% year-on-year in 2024 to ₹1,015 crore, while imports from the UK surged 36% to ₹2,295 crore. “This deal not only strengthens trade relations but also paves the way for advanced technology collaborations between Indian and UK firms,” said Himanshu Baid, Managing Director, Poly Medicure Ltd. “With India exporting medical devices worth about $115 million to the UK, one of our top 10 destinations, we expect this agreement to further boost our market presence,” Baid added.
Pharma Industry Anticipates Bigger Footprint
The agreement is also likely to open new opportunities for India’s generic drugmakers to expand their footprint in the UK. “As indicated, the UK market will allow the pharma sector to supply affordable, high-quality medicines, thereby improving patient care,” said Sudarshan Jain, Secretary General of the Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance (IPA). Generic players such as Lupin, Biocon, Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories, and Wockhardt—already active in the UK—stand to benefit once officials finalize the agreement’s details.
Strengthening Strategic Trade Ties
Industry leaders view the FTA as a pivotal moment in India-UK trade relations. As msn.com reports, the agreement lowers trade barriers, improves regulatory alignment, and enables technology partnerships—actions that drive sustainable growth in the pharma and medtech sectors while enhancing patient access to affordable healthcare solutions.
