Delhi poised to slash Scotch whisky prices under UK trade pact

Delhi's excise officials are studying the implications of the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) with a view to reducing the price of premium Scotch whisky in the national capital. The department is currently examining how lower customs duty rates negotiated under the bilateral trade pact could be implemented to benefit consumers.

Under the trade agreement signed between India and the United Kingdom, specific provisions have been made to facilitate reduced tariffs on select imported goods, including alcoholic beverages. Delhi's excise authorities are evaluating the framework to determine the practical application of these reduced duty rates in the state.

If implemented, the tariff reductions could translate into a 10-15 percent price decrease for premium Scotch whisky across Delhi's retail and hospitality sectors. The move would make imported spirits more competitive and accessible to consumers in the price-sensitive market.

The excise department's examination of the CETA provisions is part of a broader effort to align India's tariff policies with trade commitments made under the bilateral agreement. Once the legal and procedural aspects are finalized, Delhi could become the first Indian state to implement the reduced customs duty structure on qualifying Scotch imports.