UK Offers Tariff-Free Access for 99% Eligible Products, Nepali Exporters Urged to Tap DCTS Opportunities

KATHMANDU: Nepali exporters have been encouraged to make greater use of the United Kingdom’s Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS), which provides tariff-free access for around 99% of eligible Nepali products entering the UK market.

An interactive programme titled “Unlocking Tariff-Free Access to the UK: Opportunities for Nepali Exporters under the UK Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS)” was organized in Kathmandu on July 17, 2026, to discuss export opportunities, compliance requirements and strategies for expanding Nepal’s presence in the UK market.

The programme was jointly organized by the UK Department for Business and Trade (DBT), British Embassy Kathmandu, UK–Nepal in Business – Growth Advisors (NiB-GA), and Nepal Britain Chamber of Commerce & Industry (NBCCI).

The event brought together government officials, trade experts, exporters and private sector representatives to discuss how Nepali businesses can benefit from the UK’s preferential trade arrangement.

Speaking at the programme, British Ambassador to Nepal Rob Fenn highlighted the UK’s increasing focus on trade, investment and economic cooperation with Nepal.

He said stronger utilization of the DCTS could help increase Nepali exports, generate employment opportunities and further strengthen bilateral economic relations between Nepal and the UK.

During the event, Ellie Parker, Regional Trade for Development Advisor for South Asia at the British High Commission, provided insights into the DCTS framework and its benefits for Nepali exporters.

She said Nepal continues to benefit from the Comprehensive Preference tier under the scheme, which allows duty-free access for approximately 99% of eligible products exported to the UK.

The scheme also provides simplified rules of origin, allowing manufacturers to source inputs from up to 95 countries, including regional cumulation arrangements with countries such as India and Vietnam for eligible products.

Participants were informed about potential export opportunities in sectors including carpets, garments, pashmina, wool products, tea, natural products, handicrafts and home décor.

The session also covered practical requirements for accessing DCTS benefits, including product classification, compliance with rules of origin, documentation, meeting UK standards and maintaining proper records.

Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies, Buddha Bahadur Gurung, said the DCTS provides significant opportunities for Nepali exporters to expand their market reach in the UK.

He said Nepal should move beyond traditional export items such as garments, carpets, pashmina, felt products and handmade paper by exploring new products with export potential.

Gurung emphasized the need for Nepali businesses to enhance production capacity, improve technical capabilities and meet international quality standards to fully utilize opportunities available in the UK market.

The programme concluded with remarks from Shiv Prakash Khemka, Executive Committee Member of NBCCI, who reaffirmed the chamber’s commitment to supporting Nepali businesses through trade promotion, knowledge-sharing and strategic partnerships aimed at strengthening Nepal–UK trade and investment relations.

The organizers said the initiative would help Nepali exporters better understand the DCTS mechanism and encourage greater use of the UK’s preferential market access to improve Nepal’s global trade competitiveness.