Export from the UK to India | Customs Clearance, Freight & Delivery
Export to India with Confidence
Through this deal, India removes or reduces tariffs, or pre-existing zero tariffs, on 90% tariff lines, which covers 92% of existing goods imports from the UK (based on 2022 trade). Based on this trade alone, amounts to India cutting tariffs worth around £400 million, which is more than double to around £900 million after 10 years. Reducing costs to trade can increase trade flows and support UK economic growth.
RENSAT handles the full UK-to-India export journey from one desk. We prepare and file your UK export declaration directly into HMRC’s CDS system in-house, arrange container haulage to the port, book sea freight, and coordinate import customs clearance and final delivery in India through our own network. One point of contact from collection in the UK to delivery in India – not a chain of brokers passing your shipment between them.
Whether you are shipping Commercial Goods, Textiles, General Household goods, Machinery, Retail Products, Automotive parts or Industrial Equipment, our experienced customs specialists ensure your shipment is handled efficiently, compliantly and with minimal delays. We also support imports from India to the UK, providing seamless customs clearance and shipping solutions in both directions. Whether you need Import to India from UK support or are shipping the other way, RENSAT is equipped to manage the entire process.
Shipping the other way? See our guide to Export from India to the UK.
Step-by-Step Guide to Exporting Goods from the UK to India
Step 1 – Registration with the HMRC portal
Step 2 – Understand the Import Duties, GST & Taxation
Step 3 - Collection & UK Container Haulage
Step 4 - UK Export Customs Clearance
Step 5 - International Sea Freight
Step 6 - India Import Customs Clearance
Step 7 - Final Delivery
Importing into India: what the Indian buyer or forwarder needs
On a UK-to-India shipment, the Indian importer (or their forwarder) handles the India-side entry. Before the goods land, they will need:
- Importer-Exporter Code (IEC): issued by India’s DGFT and mandatory for any commercial import – without it, the Bill of Entry cannot be filed.
- Bill of Entry: the import declaration filed on India’s ICEGATE system at the port of arrival.
- Import duty, IGST and any applicable taxes: assessed on arrival. We advise on classification and on the paperwork that supports a preferential claim where the UK-India CETA applies.
- Product-specific approvals: regulated goods may need registration first – for example BIS for certain electronics, or FSSAI for food.
RENSAT coordinates India-side clearance through our network under an India POA, so a UK exporter or forwarder deals with one team – not two customs systems.
Why Export to India?
The UK and India Free Trade Agreement is helping businesses trade between the UK and India. The agreement makes it easier for traders to do business and reduces duties and taxes on goods. This helps UK companies compete in India’s growing economy. As more UK exporters to India take advantage of these preferential terms, understanding the requirements has become essential to trading compliantly.
Opportunities for UK exporters in India
India’s demand is rising across engineering, automotive, electronics, retail and consumer goods, alongside a fast-moving technology sector. For UK exporters, now is a strong time to expand into the market.
Whether you are exporting commercial goods, machinery or industrial equipment, RENSAT provides a complete end-to-end customs clearance and shipping solution. Whether you are a UK exporter shipping to India or an Indian importer receiving from the UK, we manage the process from start to finish.
Why Choose RENSAT for UK–India Trade?
What makes RENSAT different on the UK–India lane:
- UK export declarations filed in-house, directly into HMRC CDS — not outsourced to a third-party agent.
- One point of contact from UK collection to India delivery, so nothing falls between handoffs.
- India import clearance and final delivery coordinated through our own India network, into Nhava Sheva (JNPA), Mundra and every other major Indian port.
- FCL and LCL, with container haulage from anywhere in the UK to the port.
- A team that works UK-India Free Trade Agreement paperwork day to day, so preferential-origin claims are handled correctly.
Our UK to India Customs Clearance & Shipping Services
- UK Export Customs Declarations
- Commercial Invoice and Customs Documentation Checks
- Commodity Code Classification
- Customs Duty and Tax Guidance
- Export Compliance Advice
- India Import Customs Clearance Coordination
- Single Point of Contact from Collection to Final Delivery
- UK-India Free Trade Agreement Customs Clearance Guidance
- Sea freight from the UK to India (FCL and LCL)
- UK export customs declaration to India
- Shipping goods from the UK to India - port to port or door to door
India Coverage
Major Indian Ports We Serve
RENSAT coordinates shipments to all major ports across India. Our primary gateways:
Nhava Sheva (JNPA)-Navi Mumbai
India's largest and busiest container port.
Mundra Port-Gujarat
One of India's leading commercial container ports.
We also handle shipments to:
Tell us your destination and we'll recommend the routing and shipping solution that fits your requirements.
Get in touchInformation and Documentation Required for Exports
- Commercial invoice
- Detailed product description
- Commodity codes
- Value of goods
- Incoterms (agreed trade terms between buyer and seller)
- Certificates or licences, where applicable to the specific commodity
- Bill of Lading
- India POA
- Account opening form (New customers) - Click here
- UK Direct Representation Letter for Companies - Click here
Who We Work With
We support businesses across a wide range of sectors and industries, including:
UK Exporters to India seeking a reliable customs and logistics partner.
FAQs
Take a look at our most commonly asked questions below. If you can’t find what you need, get in touch with our team today.
Can RENSAT manage the complete shipment?
Yes. We coordinate every stage of the shipment, including collection, UK export customs clearance, international sea freight, India import customs clearance coordination and final delivery.
Do I need a UK export customs declaration?
Yes. Most commercial exports from the UK require an export customs declaration, and our team can prepare your UK export customs declaration to India on your behalf.
Can RENSAT arrange UK container haulage?
Yes. We provide nationwide container haulage from your premises to all major UK ports.
Do you offer both FCL and LCL services?
Yes. We arrange both Full Container Load (FCL) and Less than Container Load (LCL) shipments to suit your requirements.
Do you ship personal effects and household goods?
Yes. We support individuals, families and international removals companies shipping personal effects and household goods between the UK and India.
Can you arrange final delivery in India?
Yes. We coordinate final delivery to your customer’s premises, warehouse or distribution centre across India.
How does the UK India Free Trade Agreement affect my shipment?
The UK India Free Trade Agreement may reduce or remove duty on a range of eligible goods, but correctly applying UK-India Free Trade Agreement customs clearance rules is essential to benefit from these preferential rates. Our team can advise on eligibility for your specific goods.
How much is the tariff on goods from UK to India?
- India’s average tariff on UK goods will reduce from approximately 15% to 3%. India will remove or reduce tariffs on 90% of its tariff lines for UK products; 64% become duty-free immediately.
- Seafood (salmon, cod): tariffs fall from 33% to zero immediately.
- Scotch whisky: duties fall from 150% to 75% immediately, then gradually to 40% over 10 years.
- Cars: UK ICE vehicles enter India at tariffs falling from 100%+ to 30–50% initially, and 10% from year 5, under a TRQ starting at 20,000 units/year rising to 37,000 by year 5. EVs/hybrids get TRQ access from year 6, with tariffs reduced to 40–50% initially and 10% from year 10.
- Aircraft parts: currently up to 11%, going to zero.
- Cosmetics: tariffs up to 22% eliminated either immediately or phased over up to 10 years.
What items are exempt from UK import duty?
- Aerospace parts like aircraft components, engines, instrumentation (previously up to 11%)
- Seafood which includes salmon, cod (previously 33%)
- Machinery, electronics, chemicals, engineering goods fall to zero on entry into force as part of the 64% of tariff lines going duty-free immediately.
What is the Proof of Origin for UK exporters?
- UK exporters to India must register with HMRC before completing origin declarations, the origin declaration is the sole route, alongside a certificate of origin or importer’s knowledge for UK-bound imports. Unregistered exporter declarations will be rejected, and the importer will lose preference.
- Indian importers claiming UK-origin preference: only an origin declaration is accepted (not importer’s knowledge)
- Indian exporters: use Certificates of Origin issued by the Department of Commerce’s designated agencies; CBIC handles import-side verification in India
- Exporters must self-certify and retain records for 5 years for audit/verification purposes
- One declaration can cover multiple identical shipments over a 12-month period
What items does India import from the UK?
India imports a wide range of UK goods — machinery, engineering products, automotive parts, electronics, chemicals, aerospace components, whisky and cosmetics among them. RENSAT handles the UK export declaration and India import clearance across these categories.
Do I need an IEC to import my goods into India?
Yes. An Importer-Exporter Code from the DGFT is mandatory for commercial imports into India. We can guide first-time importers through it.