Step-by-Step: How to Import from India to Europe
Identify Your Product & CN Code
Determine the correct Combined Nomenclature (CN) code — the EU equivalent of HS codes. This determines duty rates, VAT treatment, and which EU regulations apply.
Check EU Regulatory Requirements
Determine which directives apply — CE marking for most consumer/industrial products, REACH for chemicals, EU Food Safety for food/cosmetics, EN standards for textiles.
Find & Vet Indian Suppliers
Use sourcing agents, trade fairs (Heimtextil India, IHGF Delhi), or B2B platforms. Conduct factory audits and verify CE/REACH readiness.
Request Samples & Lab Testing
Get samples tested at EU-notified bodies for CE marking, REACH compliance, OEKO-TEX, EN 71 (toys), or EN 1021 (furniture).
Negotiate Terms & Place Order
Agree on pricing (FOB/CIF), payment terms, Incoterms (DAP/DDP for door delivery, or CIF for port), MOQ, and quality specs.
Production & Quality Inspections
Monitor production with in-line and pre-shipment inspections. Verify CE marking, labelling in destination language, and packaging compliance.
Arrange Freight & Documentation
Book freight (sea to Rotterdam, Hamburg, Antwerp, or Mediterranean ports). Obtain Bill of Lading, EUR.1 form (if applicable), commercial invoice, packing list, and test certificates.
EU Customs Clearance
Work with a licensed customs broker. File Entry Summary Declaration (ENS) before arrival. Pay applicable duties and import VAT upon clearance.
EU Import Duty Rates on Indian Products
India trades with the EU under MFN rates, with GSP preferences available for certain product categories. The EU-India FTA negotiations could further reduce duties across many sectors.
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| Product (CN Code) | Duty Rate | VAT | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cotton T-shirts (CN 6109) | 12% | 19–25% | GSP rate may apply for some categories |
| Leather handbags (CN 4202) | 3–9.7% | 19–25% | Lower than MFN for many items |
| Handmade rugs (CN 5701–5705) | 0–8% | 19–25% | Many handmade categories at reduced rates |
| Silver jewelry (CN 7113) | 0–4% | 19–25% | Competitive vs. other Asian origins |
| Wooden furniture (CN 9403) | 0–5.6% | 19–25% | No anti-dumping duties (vs. Chinese furniture) |
| Engineering parts (CN 7318–7326) | 0–3.7% | 19–25% | Competitive for EU industrial buyers |
| Organic chemicals (CN 2901–2942) | 0–6.5% | 19–25% | India is a top 5 global supplier, REACH registration required |
| Spices (CN 0904–0910) | 0–12.5% | 7–10% | Reduced VAT in most EU countries for food |
Key EU Regulations for Indian Imports
CE Marking
European Conformity
Most consumer and industrial products — toys, electronics, machinery, PPE, construction products, medical devices
Learn about our compliance services →EU REACH
Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation & Restriction of Chemicals
All chemical substances in products — textiles, leather, plastics, cosmetics, cleaning products
Learn about our compliance services →EU GPSR
General Product Safety Regulation (replacing GPSD)
All non-food consumer products — safety requirements, traceability, responsible person in EU
Learn about our compliance services →EU Customs
Union Customs Code (UCC)
All imports — EORI number required, Entry Summary Declaration (ENS), Common External Tariff
Learn about our compliance services →Essential Documents for India-to-Europe Imports
Shipping Routes: India to European Ports
| Port | Country | Transit Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rotterdam | Netherlands | 18–22 days | Europe's largest port, gateway to Benelux & Germany |
| Hamburg | Germany | 20–24 days | Gateway to Central & Northern Europe |
| Antwerp | Belgium | 19–23 days | Major hub for Benelux & Northern France |
| Genoa / La Spezia | Italy | 14–18 days | Fastest route, gateway to Mediterranean & Southern Europe |
| Barcelona / Valencia | Spain | 15–19 days | Gateway to Iberian Peninsula |
| Piraeus | Greece | 12–16 days | Fastest EU port from India, COSCO hub |
India vs. China: Why European Importers Are Diversifying
| Factor | 🇮🇳 India | 🇨🇳 China |
|---|---|---|
| Anti-Dumping Duties | Minimal — few EU anti-dumping measures | Extensive — steel, ceramics, solar panels, aluminium |
| EU-India FTA | Under negotiation — tariff reductions expected | No FTA — MFN rates only |
| Textiles & Apparel | World's 2nd largest — strong in cotton, silk, handloom | Largest, but EU sustainability requirements increasing |
| Handmade / Artisanal | World leader — vast artisan base, GI products | Limited artisanal capacity |
| Sustainability | Strong in organic, fair trade, handloom — aligns with EU Green Deal | Improving but lags on ESG reporting |
| REACH Compliance | Growing capacity — chemical sector experienced | Well-established but enforcement variable |
| English Communication | Widespread — easier for UK, Nordic, Benelux buyers | Often requires translators |
Related European Import Guides
Best Products to Import from India to EU
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
Importing from India to Europe — FAQs
Do I need a license to import from India to Europe?
Most goods don't require a specific import license, but you must register for an EORI (Economic Operators Registration and Identification) number in your EU member state. Certain products (food, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, dual-use goods) may require additional permits from national authorities.
What customs duties apply to Indian goods imported into the EU?
India trades with the EU under MFN (Most Favoured Nation) rates, with some products qualifying for GSP (Generalised Scheme of Preferences) rates. The EU-India FTA negotiations could further reduce duties. Rates range from 0% (many handicrafts) to 12%+ (some textiles). Check the EU TARIC database for specific CN codes.
What is REACH and how does it affect imports from India?
REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) requires that chemical substances in products imported into the EU are registered. As an EU importer, you are the 'importer' under REACH and responsible for compliance. Indian suppliers must provide Safety Data Sheets and substance declarations.
How does CE marking work for Indian products?
CE marking indicates conformity with EU health, safety, and environmental requirements. The manufacturer (or authorised representative in EU) must conduct conformity assessment, prepare technical documentation, and issue a Declaration of Conformity. Some products require testing by EU-notified bodies.
What are the shipping options from India to Europe?
Sea freight is most common: 12–24 days depending on port. Mediterranean ports (Piraeus, Genoa) are fastest at 12–16 days. Northern European ports (Rotterdam, Hamburg) take 18–24 days. Air freight (2–3 days) is available for urgent or high-value shipments. Rail via Iran/Turkey is emerging but limited.
How can Small World India help European importers?
We provide end-to-end sourcing services: supplier identification, factory audits, CE/REACH compliance coordination, production monitoring, quality inspections, export documentation, and freight coordination to all major EU ports. We've helped European buyers since 1994.
Need Help Importing from India to Europe?
We've helped European businesses import from India since 1994. From CE/REACH compliance to quality inspections and freight coordination to Rotterdam, Hamburg, and Antwerp — we make India sourcing simple.