Prices of imported Scotch whisky and other British spirits in Delhi could decline in November 2026 as the Delhi Excise Department begins implementing revised import duty rates under the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA). The move is expected to make several premium international whisky brands more affordable for consumers in the national capital.
According to a senior Excise Department official, the implementation process has started, and some liquor wholesalers importing British spirits have already received approval for revised cost calculations. The department plans to extend the revised pricing structure across all segments in phases, allowing the benefit of lower import duties to reach the retail market.
The India-UK trade agreement, signed in 2025 and brought into effect on July 15, 2026, provides for a reduction in customs duties on British whisky and gin from 150% to 75%. The duty is scheduled to decline further to 40% in the tenth year of the agreement. The Delhi Excise Department had decided to implement the revised pricing framework in October, and officials expect consumers to begin seeing its impact during November.
The expected reduction could benefit buyers of several well-known Scotch whisky brands, including Johnnie Walker. Industry estimates suggest that premium imported Scotch brands could become cheaper by approximately ₹200–300 per bottle, depending on the product and applicable pricing structure.
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United Spirits Popular Liquor Sales Decline 22.7% to ₹181 Crore in Q2 FY27 Amid Excise Policy ChangesIndian-bottled Scotch whisky brands could also see price reductions. Products such as Black Dog, 100 Pipers, Passport, Vat 69 and Black & White are expected to become cheaper by around ₹100–150 per bottle, according to industry estimates.
The difference in expected price reductions reflects the varying impact of import duties on finished imported bottles and Scotch whisky brought into India for local bottling. Actual retail prices will also depend on import costs, state-level taxes, distribution margins and revised pricing approvals.
The implementation of CETA in Delhi marks another development in India’s changing Scotch whisky market. With import duties being reduced in phases, the agreement is expected to influence the pricing and competitiveness of British spirits while providing consumers with greater access to premium imported whisky brands. However, the final price benefits will become clearer as revised rates are extended across wholesalers and retail outlets.
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