Archive · 26 Jul 2025
Indian Liquor Companies Claim UK Trade Barriers Hurt Exports
Indian liquor companies are upset with the UK's rules about selling their products.
They say the UK makes it hard for Indian alcohol to compete because of rules like how long whisky has to age.
Because India is hot, the alcohol ages faster, and the companies lose money if they have to wait three years.
They want to sell their products in the UK with names like 'Indian Whisky'.
They're also asking the government to make sure Scotch whisky is not sold too cheaply in India.
Indian alcoholic beverage companies are complaining about UK trade practices.
They allege non-tariff barriers, like maturation periods, hinder IMFL exports.
UK regulations require a minimum three-year whisky maturation, regardless of origin.
Indian companies say this is commercially unviable due to faster maturation in India.
CIABC is pushing for a Minimum Import Price (MIP) on Scotch whisky.
- Who
- Indian alcoholic beverage companies and the UK government.
- What
- Indian alcoholic beverage companies are alleging discriminatory trade practices by the United Kingdom and European Union.
- When
- Not explicitly mentioned in the article.
- Where
- India and the UK
- Why
- To prevent aggressive underpricing that hurts domestic brands.
Indian Alcoholic Beverage Companies
UK Government
Trade Discrimination
Indian Alcoholic Beverage Companies
UK trade practices are discriminatory.
UK Government
The article doesn't say, as this is a claim by the companies, so the other side's perspective is not known.
Maturation Period
Indian Alcoholic Beverage Companies
The 3 year maturation period is unfair due to India's climate.
UK Government
The article doesn't explicitly mention the opposing side, so the other side's perspective is not known.
- Complaint:
- UK trade practices are discriminatory
- Barrier:
- Three-year maturation for whisky
- Impact of maturation time
- Losses due to evaporation and quality
- Solution
- CIABC pushing for a Minimum Import Price
Sources
Booster shot for UK-India business ties
FTA to bring modest dip, not a steep dive, prices of UK spirits
Will scotch get cheaper for Indian consumers after UK trade deal? Not by much, say experts
India-UK FTA: Wait for cheap Scotch whisky may not end the way you think
UK-India free trade deal: A timely win for global cooperation
