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Importing Goods from India to the UK
India is an important trading partner for the UK, supplying a wide range of commercial goods, including clothing, textiles, machinery, engineering components, chemicals, pharmaceuticals and food products, particularly rice.
With the UK–India Free Trade Agreement now in place, importing from India could also offer opportunities for businesses looking to reduce their overall importing costs.
Whether you are importing from India for the first time or already have an established supplier, UK Import Services can help arrange the transportation of your goods, UK Customs clearance and delivery to your premises.
We offer flexible shipping arrangements and practical assistance for businesses importing commercial goods from India, helping make the process as straightforward as possible.
From collection in India to delivery in the UK, our Imports Team is here to help.
Shipping Goods from India to the UK
We can arrange sea freight and air freight from India to the UK, whether you are importing a few pallets, a full shipping container or regular commercial consignments.
The most suitable shipping method will depend on the size and weight of your shipment, the type of goods being imported, your budget and how quickly you need them to arrive.
We can arrange collection from your supplier in India, international transportation, UK Customs clearance and onward delivery, or simply assist with individual stages of the shipment.
Sea Freight from India to the UK
Sea freight is generally the most cost-effective option for larger or heavier commercial shipments, particularly when delivery times are less critical.
India has several major commercial ports, including Nhava Sheva (Jawaharlal Nehru Port), Mundra, Chennai and Kolkata, offering international shipping connections to the UK.
We can arrange:
- Full Container Loads (FCL) – Dedicated 20ft or 40ft containers for larger shipments.
- Less than Container Loads (LCL) – Shared container space for smaller shipments.
- Port-to-Port Shipping – International freight between the departure and arrival ports.
- Door-to-Door Shipping – Collection from your supplier through to delivery at your UK premises.
Sea freight transit times vary depending on the departure port, shipping line and routing. As a general guide, shipments can take approximately 25–45 days between ports, although some services may take longer.
For more information, see our pages on Full Container Load (FCL) Shipping and Less than Container Load (LCL) Shipping.
Air Freight from India to the UK
Air freight offers a faster alternative for urgent, high-value or time-sensitive commercial shipments.
Major Indian airports, including Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai and Hyderabad, handle international air cargo destined for the UK.
Air freight can be particularly suitable for smaller consignments, urgent replacement parts, samples and goods where speed is more important than the overall freight cost.
We can arrange airport-to-airport and door-to-door services, including UK Customs clearance and final delivery.
For further information, see our Air Freight to the UK page.
How Much Does It Cost to Import Goods from India?
The cost of importing goods from India will depend on several factors, including:
- The size, weight and volume of your shipment.
- Whether your goods travel by sea freight or air freight.
- The collection and delivery locations.
- The type and value of the goods being imported.
- The agreed Incoterms with your supplier.
- Any applicable UK Customs Duty and import VAT.
It is important to establish exactly what is included in the price quoted by your Indian supplier. Depending on the agreed shipping terms, additional costs may include international freight, insurance, UK port or airport charges, Customs clearance and delivery.
Our Imports Team can provide a quotation based on your particular shipping requirements and help you understand which services and charges are included.
For further information about the responsibilities of buyers and sellers, see our Incoterms page.
UK Customs Clearance for Goods Imported from India
Commercial goods imported into the UK generally require a Customs declaration before they can be released into free circulation.
UK Import Services has been arranging Customs clearance for businesses since 2009, and our experienced team can assist with the necessary declarations and documentation.
To arrange Customs clearance, we would normally require:
- A valid GB EORI number for the importer.
- A commercial invoice from the Indian supplier.
- A packing list showing the contents of the shipment.
- The appropriate commodity (HS) codes.
- Details of the goods’ value, origin and agreed Incoterms.
- Any additional licences, certificates or documentation required for the goods.
Certain products, including foodstuffs, may be subject to additional import requirements, inspections or certification. For example, businesses importing rice from India may find our guide to Importing Rice into the UK useful.
We can arrange UK Customs clearance for shipments arriving by sea or air, whether we handle the international shipping or your supplier has already arranged the transportation.
UK–India Free Trade Agreement – Could Importing from India Save You Money?
The UK–India Free Trade Agreement, which came into force on 15 July 2026, provides opportunities for British businesses to benefit from reduced or zero Customs Duty on qualifying goods imported from India.
For businesses currently sourcing goods from China or other overseas markets, India could offer a commercially attractive alternative. Unlike China, India has a Free Trade Agreement with the UK, which may provide opportunities to reduce Customs Duty on certain products.
India is also geographically closer to the UK than China, which could offer additional advantages in terms of shorter shipping times and lower freight costs, depending on the collection location, shipping route and arrangements.
However, preferential Customs Duty is not automatic. Goods must meet the relevant rules of origin, and the correct supporting evidence must be available to claim the preferential rate.
Under the UK–India Free Trade Agreement, preferential origin can be demonstrated using one of the following methods:
- Origin Declaration – A declaration completed by the Indian exporter or producer, using the prescribed format and information required under the agreement.
- Certificate of Origin – A certificate issued by an authorised Indian body, containing the information required under the agreement.
- Importer’s Knowledge – Where the UK importer holds sufficient evidence to demonstrate that the goods meet the agreement’s rules of origin.
It is important that the documentation is completed correctly, including the prescribed wording or format, exporter details and any applicable value thresholds or other requirements. If you are unsure what information your supplier needs to include, please contact our Imports Team for guidance.
Not all goods qualify for reduced duty, and some tariff reductions are being introduced gradually. However, when combined with potential savings on freight costs and transit times, sourcing goods from India could offer worthwhile commercial advantages.
Our Customs Team can help establish which preferential duty arrangements may apply to your goods and advise on the documentation required to support a claim.
For further information, see the UK Government’s guidance on Tariffs and Customs for Imports from and Exports to India.
Collection and UK Delivery Services
We can arrange collection from suppliers and manufacturers throughout India, together with international shipping and delivery to your chosen UK destination.
If your Indian supplier has already arranged the international freight, we can also assist with UK Customs clearance and onward delivery from the arrival port or airport.
Our services are flexible, allowing you to use as much or as little of our assistance as you require.
Why Choose UK Import Services?
UK Import Services has been helping businesses with international shipping and Customs clearance since 2009.
As an experienced UK Customs broker with Authorised Economic Operator (AEO-C) status, we understand the importance of accurate documentation, reliable communication and attention to detail.
We offer:
- Experienced Customs Brokers – Knowledge of UK import procedures and Customs requirements.
- Sea and Air Freight Services – Flexible shipping arrangements for commercial imports.
- UK Collection and Delivery – Transport arrangements from UK ports and airports to your premises.
- Personal Service – A friendly, experienced team you can speak to directly.
- Competitive Quotations – Shipping solutions tailored to your requirements.
Whether you are importing your first commercial shipment or looking for a reliable partner to handle regular imports from India, we would welcome the opportunity to discuss your requirements.
Need Help Importing Goods from India?
Whether you are importing from India for the first time, sourcing products from a new supplier or looking for a more reliable shipping and Customs clearance service, UK Import Services is here to help.
We can arrange sea freight, air freight, UK Customs clearance and delivery, with flexible arrangements to suit your business.
Contact our Imports Team today to discuss your shipment from India and request a competitive quotation.
Contact UK Import Services on (T) 0800 690 6310 or email enquiries@ukimportservices.com for a no-obligation freight quotation.
- Importing Rice into the UK:
Information on Customs requirements, documentation and importing rice into the UK, including shipments from India. - Full Container Load (FCL) Shipping:
Dedicated container shipping for larger commercial consignments imported into the UK. - Less than Container Load (LCL) Shipping:
Cost-effective sea freight for smaller commercial shipments that do not require a full container. - Air Freight to the UK:
International air cargo services for urgent and time-sensitive commercial imports. - Incoterms – International Commercial Terms:
Understanding the responsibilities of buyers and sellers when arranging international shipments. - HS Codes and Commodity Classification:
Understanding how imported goods are classified for UK Customs purposes.
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UK Import Services Limited
Global Shipping and UK Customs Broker
Reg. Address: 1-3 Manor Road
Chatham
Kent
ME4 6AG
United Kingdom
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