7. Chapter 5 – Customs and Trade Facilitation
7.1 This chapter sets out how the UK and India will simplify customs procedures to support smoother trade, while maintaining robust regulatory checks (Article 5.1). It includes commitments to release goods promptly—ideally within 48 hours for non-perishable items (Article 5.5) and as quickly as possible for perishables (Article 5.6)—provided all documentation and regulatory requirements are met. Crucially, this includes completion of sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) checks.
7.2 The agreement also supports the use of risk management systems to focus border checks on high-risk consignments (Article 5.7). This aligns with the UK’s risk-based SPS regime, ensuring that food safety controls remain in place and are proportionate to the level of risk. These provisions help facilitate trade without compromising public health protections.