Export Market Guide - India
This content is restricted to wine exporters and levy-payers. Some reports are available for purchase to non-levy payers/exporters.
All regulatory information for exporting wine goods to India, including the regulatory environment, duties and taxes, and permitted additives.
Unless an exemption has been granted by Wine Australia, grape products exported from Australia must comply with the Food Standards Code. Accordingly, the labelling and wine standards information in Wine Australia’s Export Market Guides should be read in conjunction with Wine Australia’s Licensing and Compliance Guide which contains the requirements of the Food Standards Code and applicable exemptions.
Australia’s close proximity to India, in comparison to America and Europe, gives Australian exporters a slight advantage. Not only are there freight cost benefits, but diplomatic relations are fairly strong due to shared beliefs in democracy and common interests such as the Indian Ocean and cricket.
Regulatory environment
In 2006 the Government of India constituted a Food Safety Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) with the objective of consolidating various food laws and establishing a single regulatory agency. The principal laws are the Food Safety and Standards Act 2006 and its various regulations published in 2011. The Food Safety and Standards (Alcoholic Beverages Standards) Regulations 2018 came into force on 21 March 2018 with enforcement of the standard from 1 April 2019. The Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations 2020 came into force on 17 November 2021. Imported wine must also comply with the Food Safety and Standards (Import) Regulations 2017.
The Legal Metrology Act 2009 and the (Packaged Commodities) Rules 2011 are administered by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food, and Public Distribution. The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs administers the Customs Act 1962, the Customs Tariff Act 1975 and the Finance Bill 2004.
The Australia–India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (AI ECTA) now in force.
The first reduction in tariffs on Australian wine occurred on 29 December 2022. Tariffs on premium Australian wine exports to India are now substantially reduced under the Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (AI-ECTA). AI-ECTA provides an immediate cut to the 150% federal tariff on wine imports. Bottles priced between US$5.00 and US$15.00 will see tariffs reduced to 100% and 50% in 10 years. Bottles priced US$15.00 and over will see taxes reduced to 75% and 25% after 10 years.
It's important to note that India is a newly emerging market for wine, where consumption is currently is modest – even when compared to other alcoholic beverages. However, the wine culture in India is growing as consumers discover and learn more about wine and it's exciting that Australian wines are part of this discovery.