Indian liquor makers are raising concerns over discriminatory trade practices, claiming that while British Scotch and gin brands enjoy easier market access in India, Indian-made spirits face non-tariff barriers in the UK and EU.
Anant S. Iyer, Director General of the Confederation of Indian Alcoholic Beverage Companies (CIABC), said the UK’s stringent norms prevent fair entry of Indian-Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL), citing rules around maturation and ingredients. “We’re disappointed the Indian government didn’t push harder against these non-tariff barriers,” he said.
In the UK, a spirit can only be called whisky if matured for at least three years — a rule Iyer argues disadvantages Indian products. “India’s warmer climate leads to faster maturation. Forcing a three-year timeline causes excessive evaporation and quality loss,” he explained.
Due to these regulations, Indian whisky is often classified as ‘Indian spirit’ in the UK, limiting its market reach. CIABC is now urging the government to raise the issue with UK authorities, seeking a level playing field.
The association also proposed a Minimum Import Price (MIP) on bottled-in-origin Scotch imports to prevent underpricing and protect domestic brands competing with imported whiskies on home turf.
