Zero tariffs on every Indian product: Australia's trade deal with India reaches its final stage

Since 1 January 2026, every Australian tariff line has been duty free for eligible Indian goods under the Australia–India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA). For Australian importers, India is now one of the few major sourcing countries with no Australian duty on any product.

How ECTA got here

ECTA was signed in April 2022 and entered into force on 29 December 2022. Most Australian tariffs on Indian goods were removed on day one, and DFAT reported that 96% of imports from India were tariff free. The remaining lines were phased out over five years and reached zero on 1 January 2026.

What zero tariffs do not change

• Rules of origin. Goods must qualify as Indian under ECTA and be supported by proof of origin, or the normal rate applies.
• Biosecurity. Food, plant and timber products still need to meet the import conditions in the Department of Agriculture's BICON system, including treatment and certificates.
• Labelling. Food sold in Australia must meet country of origin labelling and Food Standards Code rules.

The next step: CECA

ECTA was always meant as a stepping stone to a broader Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) covering services, investment and more. After Prime Minister Modi's visit to Australia in July 2026, the two prime ministers agreed to speed up the talks. Trade ministers Piyush Goyal and Don Farrell met again at the G20 trade ministers' meeting in Milwaukee from 30 September to 1 October and agreed to expedite CECA, with pharmaceuticals, services, investment, agri-tech and critical minerals among the priorities. No date has been set for concluding it.

India was Australia's fifth largest trading partner in 2025, with two way trade in goods and services of A$50.2 billion.

What this means for Australian buyers

• If you buy from India and are not claiming ECTA, you may be paying duty you do not owe. Check your recent entries with your customs broker.
• Duty free access makes India more competitive for private label food, home textiles, hotel linen and furniture.
• Get the paperwork right from the first order: proof of origin, biosecurity certificates and compliant labels.

SRV's head office is in Sydney. Speak to our team about an ECTA compliant supply programme.

Sources

• DFAT, Using ECTA to do business with India
• All India Radio, Duty free access to all Indian exports in Australia
• The Indian Sun, India and Australia push to accelerate comprehensive trade deal (4 October 2026)
• Clayton Utz, The Australia–India Annual Summit: from ECTA to CECA

This article is general information, not legal, tax or customs advice. Trade rules change often, so confirm the position for your product with your customs broker before you ship.