Top 8 Product Categories for European Importers
Textiles & Apparel
CN 50–63 • EU Import Value: €6.8B
EU Duty Rate
World's 2nd largest textile producer. Strong in organic cotton, handloom, and sustainable fashion — aligned with EU Green Deal.
Top Products
- Organic cotton garments
- Silk scarves & fabrics
- Home textiles (bed linen, towels)
- Knitwear & hosiery
- Technical textiles
Manufacturing Hubs
Leather & Footwear
CN 41–42, 64 • EU Import Value: €2.4B
EU Duty Rate
India's leather clusters in Chennai and Kanpur offer Italian-quality craftsmanship at 40–50% lower cost. EU FTA could reduce duties significantly.
Top Products
- Leather shoes & boots
- Handbags & accessories
- Belts & wallets
- Leather garments
- Saddlery & harness
Manufacturing Hubs
Home Décor & Furniture
CN 44, 69, 94 • EU Import Value: €1.8B
EU Duty Rate
Handcrafted furniture and décor at a fraction of European retail cost. No anti-dumping duties (unlike Chinese furniture). Aligns with EU sustainability preferences.
Top Products
- Solid wood furniture
- Hand-carved items
- Brass & copper décor
- Rugs & dhurries
- Ceramic planters & vases
Manufacturing Hubs
Jewelry & Gemstones
CN 71 • EU Import Value: €4.2B
EU Duty Rate
India cuts 90% of the world's diamonds. Leading in silver jewelry, gemstone cutting, and fashion accessories. Very low EU duties.
Top Products
- Silver jewelry
- Diamond-cut stones
- Fashion/costume jewelry
- Gemstone beads
- Gold-plated accessories
Manufacturing Hubs
Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals
CN 28–30 • EU Import Value: €8.5B
EU Duty Rate
India is the 'pharmacy of the world' — supplying generics to EU healthcare systems. Strong in APIs, dyes, pigments, and specialty chemicals.
Top Products
- Active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs)
- Generic medicines
- Reactive & acid dyes
- Agrochemicals
- Organic intermediates
Manufacturing Hubs
Engineering Goods
CN 72–84 • EU Import Value: €5.1B
EU Duty Rate
India's engineering sector is ISO/IATF certified. Competitive in auto components, castings, and precision parts. Low EU duties.
Top Products
- Auto components
- Iron & steel castings
- Hand tools & hardware
- Pumps & compressors
- Electrical equipment
Manufacturing Hubs
Spices & Food Products
CN 09, 20–21 • EU Import Value: €2.1B
EU Duty Rate
India is the world's #1 spice exporter. EU demand for organic and Fairtrade Indian spices, rice, and tea is growing rapidly.
Top Products
- Turmeric, cumin, chilli
- Basmati rice
- Tea (Darjeeling, Assam)
- Cashew nuts
- Processed foods & ready-to-eat
Manufacturing Hubs
Carpets & Floor Coverings
CN 5701–5705 • EU Import Value: €0.8B
EU Duty Rate
India is the world's #1 handmade carpet exporter. Hand-knotted and hand-tufted rugs are prized by European interior designers.
Top Products
- Hand-knotted rugs
- Hand-tufted carpets
- Jute & sisal rugs
- Dhurries & kilims
- Custom designer rugs
Manufacturing Hubs
Related European Import Guides
How to Import from India to Europe 2026
EU Sourcing from India Guide 2026
India–EU Trade Deal 2026
Europe Sourcing Services
UK Companies Sourcing from India
India vs China vs Vietnam Sourcing
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Importing from India to Europe — FAQs
What are the best products to import from India to Europe?
The most profitable categories include textiles & apparel (organic cotton, silk), leather goods, handmade furniture & décor, jewelry, chemicals & pharmaceuticals, engineering components, spices, and carpets. India has competitive advantages in all these categories with low EU duty rates.
Which EU countries import the most from India?
Germany is the largest EU importer from India (€15B+), followed by the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Italy, and Spain. Germany dominates in chemicals and engineering goods, while Italy leads in leather and textiles.
Are Indian products compliant with EU CE and REACH standards?
Many Indian manufacturers are CE and REACH compliant, especially those already exporting to Europe. We coordinate with EU-notified bodies to ensure your products meet all regulatory requirements before shipment.
What is the EU-India Free Trade Agreement status?
The EU-India FTA is under active negotiation with significant progress in 2025-2026. The agreement aims to reduce or eliminate tariffs on textiles, leather, chemicals, and agricultural products, making India sourcing even more competitive for European buyers.
How does VAT work when importing from India to the EU?
Import VAT is charged on top of customs duties when goods enter the EU. Rates vary by country (19% Germany, 20% France, 21% Netherlands, 25% Denmark/Sweden). Registered businesses can typically reclaim import VAT as input tax.
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