India-EAEU FTA talks focus on SPS and TBT compliance to reduce export delays

India is seeking simpler compliance rules on SPS sanitary and phytosanitary measures and TBT technical barriers to trade under a proposed free trade agreement with the Russia-led EAEU group, an official said. Complex testing and certification often work as non-tariff barriers. These steps raise exporter costs and can hold up shipments into the EAEU market.

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The official said India wants easier norms to support exports of marine goods, agricultural items and processed foods. SPS rules aim to protect human, animal and plant health. Examples include limits on pesticide residues and checks for antibiotic residues in seafood. They also cover import rules linked to animal diseases.

SPS sanitary and phytosanitary measures in the India-EAEU free trade agreement

India and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) signed the terms of reference to start talks on August 20 last year. The first round of negotiations was held in November 2025 here. The second round is expected later this month in Moscow, the official said.

The EAEU has five members: Russia, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan. The planned pact has about 15 chapters. These include goods and customs facilitation. It does not include a chapter on services, as per the official.

TBT technical barriers to trade in the India-EAEU free trade agreement

TBT requirements cover product standards and related compliance steps. These include labelling and packaging rules. They also include quality certification and testing procedures. Exporters often face multiple checks across borders. India is looking to reduce these frictions under the proposed framework.

Russia is India’s top trading partner within the bloc. Bilateral trade totalled USD 68.72 billion in 2024-25. India’s exports were USD 4.88 billion, while imports were USD 63.84 billion. The import figure rose due to higher crude oil purchases.

Trade with the other EAEU members stayed far smaller in the last fiscal year. India’s bilateral trade was USD 315.18 million with Armenia. It was USD 106.69 million with Belarus. Kazakhstan saw USD 349.48 million, and Kyrgyzstan recorded USD 56.78 million.

The official said streamlining SPS and TBT procedures could cut delays and reduce extra costs. India is linking these issues to market access for key export categories. Negotiators are continuing discussions through the scheduled Moscow round. The scope remains focused on goods, customs facilitation, and related compliance rules.

With inputs from PTI