BENGALURU — The first tariff-free consignment of fresh farmed Scottish salmon has arrived in Bengaluru under the UK-India CETA, according to the Economic Times – Foreign Trade. The shipment was produced by Bakkafrost and imported by Bengaluru-based Sashimi Foods Private Limited, and it reached India barely two weeks after the agreement became operational.
First shipment after CETA entry into force
The report, published on 31 July 2026, described the delivery as the first tariff-free Scottish salmon shipment under the agreement. The article identified Bakkafrost as the producer and Sashimi Foods Private Limited as the Bengaluru-based importer of the fresh farmed salmon. The arrival timing — barely two weeks after the agreement became operational — was highlighted by the publication as evidence that the trade deal is already being used by businesses.
India removes 33% tariff on Scottish salmon
Under the CETA, India has removed the earlier 33% import tariff on Scottish salmon, according to the same report. The measure improves market access for UK exporters and makes premium imported seafood more competitively priced for Indian consumers. The duty change applies specifically to fresh farmed Scottish salmon, the product category named in the article.
| Trade measure | Detail reported by Economic Times – Foreign Trade |
|---|---|
| Product | Fresh farmed Scottish salmon |
| Producer | Bakkafrost |
| Importer | Sashimi Foods Private Limited, Bengaluru |
| Previous import tariff | 33% |
| Tariff under CETA | Removed |
| Arrival timing | Barely two weeks after the agreement became operational |
| Market access impact | Improved for UK exporters |
| Consumer pricing impact | Premium imported seafood more competitively priced |
Border and customs context
From a customs perspective, the report provides a clear before-and-after picture: the 33% import tariff that previously applied to Scottish salmon has been removed under the CETA, and the arrival of the Bakkafrost-produced consignment through Sashimi Foods puts that duty-free provision into practice, according to the Economic Times – Foreign Trade. The same article stated that the removal improves market access for UK exporters and makes premium imported seafood more competitively priced for Indian consumers.
Officials welcome the arrival in Bengaluru
The arrival was marked at an event attended by Owen Richards, Deputy Head of Mission at the British Deputy High Commission in Bengaluru, along with representatives of Sashimi Foods. Richards said the first tariff-free shipment demonstrated the practical benefits of the agreement.
"The arrival of the first tariff-free shipment of Scottish salmon in Bengaluru demonstrates the practical benefits of the UK-India CETA. Within weeks of the agreement taking effect, businesses are already benefiting from lower trade barriers and improved market access," Richards said.
Broader commercial ties between the UK and India
The Economic Times – Foreign Trade reported that the shipment underscores the growing commercial ties between the UK and India and highlights the opportunities created by the trade agreement across sectors, including food and beverages. For trade policy professionals, the event offers a named, dated example of CETA implementation in seafood. For importers, the earlier 33% tariff has been removed from this product line, and for UK exporters the agreement improves access to the Indian market, according to the report.
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