India has cut import duty on Scotch whisky from 150 percent to 75 percent with immediate effect, a move expected to make the premium spirit more affordable in the market and give a significant boost to Scotch exports. The reduction aims to benefit both Scottish producers and Indian consumers by lowering costs for importers and distributors and encouraging higher shipment volumes to India.
Industry estimates say the tariff cut could add about £190 million to Scotland’s economy through increased exports, greater production, fresh investment and new jobs. Importers and retailers are likely to pass some of the savings on to consumers, improving the price competitiveness of Scotch against local and other international spirits.
Under the trade agreement, the revised duty will remain relatively high in the short term but is slated to fall further to 40 percent over the next ten years, creating a longer-term pathway for market expansion and deeper trade ties between the two countries.
India is already the world’s largest market for Scotch by volume. In 2025 the country imported roughly £286 million worth of Scotch, the source says, equivalent to about 220 million bottles of 700 ml each, underscoring the scale of opportunity for exporters targeting India’s growing appetite for whisky.
The lower duty is expected to help both blended Scotch and single malt producers strengthen their presence in India’s rapidly expanding premium whisky segment, where demand for aged and higher-priced expressions has been rising.
Global drinks group Pernod Ricard welcomed the change; its portfolio includes well-known Scotch brands such as The Glenlivet, Aberlour, Chivas Regal, Ballantine’s and 100 Pipers, which could see improved market access and sales growth as a result.
Indian whisky makers have also reacted positively, suggesting that wider availability of international brands may boost overall consumer interest in premium and single malt whiskies and ultimately lift the profile and prospects of domestic producers too.
Separately, India is working on stricter quality standards and plans to introduce a certification mark for authentic Indian single malt whisky, an effort intended to strengthen quality assurance and enhance the credibility of Indian whisky brands at home and abroad.
Original Source: https://nenews.in/business/india-halves-import-duty-on-scotch-whisky-to-75/57717/
Category: Business,import duty,Scotch whisky,Scotland
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Publish Date: 2026-07-17 22:05:00
