How to Import Clothing from India to the UK
India is one of the UK's most important garment sourcing countries. With competitive manufacturing costs, low MOQ options, strong English communication, and well-established export infrastructure, Indian manufacturers are a natural fit for UK fashion brands at every stage — from startups testing their first collection to established labels scaling volume.
This guide covers everything a UK brand needs to know about importing clothing from India — duties, documentation, shipping options, lead times, and how to work with an Indian manufacturer effectively from the UK.
Why UK Brands Source from India
The UK fashion industry has sourced from India for decades. Post-Brexit, India remains a preferred option for several reasons:
- Low MOQ: Indian manufacturers commonly start from 200 pieces per design — far lower than China or Bangladesh.
- Full private label: Custom woven labels, hangtags, branded packaging all available at small volumes.
- English fluency: Communication across time zones is straightforward.
- Product range: India excels at women's nightwear, casual wear, ethnic wear, kids wear — categories with strong UK consumer demand.
- Ethical manufacturing: India has strong fair labour frameworks and eco-conscious manufacturing options, increasingly important for UK brand positioning.
UK Import Duties on Indian Garments
Since Brexit, the UK applies its own Global Tariff (UKGT) rather than the EU's Common External Tariff. For garments from India, the standard MFN (Most Favoured Nation) rates are:
| Product Type | HS Chapter | UK Duty Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Knitted garments (T-shirts, hoodies, loungewear) | HS 61 | 12% |
| Woven garments (trousers, dresses, shirts) | HS 62 | 12% |
| Babies' garments | HS 6111 | 12% |
| Nightwear (woven) | HS 6207 / 6208 | 12% |
| Co-ord sets / tracksuits (knitted) | HS 6112 | 12% |
Note: Duty rates are indicative. Always verify the exact HS code for your product with HMRC or a licensed UK customs broker before importing. VAT at 20% is also payable on importation and is reclaimable if you're VAT registered.
UK-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) — What to Know
The UK and India have been in active FTA negotiations since 2022. As of 2025, a deal has not yet been finalised. Once concluded, an FTA could reduce or eliminate duty on Indian garments entering the UK. UK brands sourcing from India should monitor this — it could significantly reduce landed costs when it comes into force.
In the meantime, the 12% MFN rate applies. At scale, this is still typically lower than manufacturing in Europe (Turkey, Portugal) when total landed cost is factored in.
Shipping Options: India to UK
✈️ Air Freight
- Route: IGI Airport Delhi (DEL) → London Heathrow (LHR)
- Transit time: 2–4 days
- Best for: Urgent orders, samples, first bulk shipments
- Cost: ~£3–£6 per kg depending on volume and airline
- Carriers: Air India, British Airways, Emirates, Qatar Airways
🚢 Sea Freight
- Route: JNPT Mumbai Port → Felixstowe / Southampton
- Transit time: 18–25 days
- Best for: Large bulk orders (200+ kg), cost-sensitive shipments
- Cost: ~£800–£1,500 per 20ft container (LCL available for smaller loads)
- Carriers: Maersk, MSC, CMA CGM
Documents Required for UK Import
Your Indian manufacturer should provide all of these. The Urban Charm prepares full export documentation for every international shipment:
- Commercial Invoice: Lists goods, quantity, unit price, total value, HS codes, and terms of sale (Incoterms)
- Packing List: Detailed breakdown of cartons, weights, and dimensions
- Bill of Lading (sea) / Airway Bill (air): Issued by the shipping carrier
- Certificate of Origin: Confirms goods are made in India — required by HMRC for duty calculation
- Insurance Certificate: Recommended for all international shipments
You'll also need to file an import declaration with HMRC via the Customs Declaration Service (CDS). Most UK brands use a licensed customs broker (e.g. Woodland Global, Flexport, or a local freight forwarder) to handle this.
Full Timeline: From Order to UK Delivery
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the import duty on clothing from India to the UK?
Typically 12% under the UK MFN tariff for most garment categories. VAT at 20% is also payable on importation and reclaimable if VAT registered. Confirm the exact rate for your HS code with HMRC or a customs broker.
How long does shipping from India to the UK take?
Air freight from IGI Delhi to London Heathrow takes 2–4 days. Sea freight from JNPT Mumbai to Felixstowe takes 18–25 days.
What documents do I need to import clothing from India to the UK?
Commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading or airway bill, Certificate of Origin, and insurance certificate. Your manufacturer provides all of these. A UK customs broker files the import declaration.
Sourcing for a UK Brand?
We regularly ship to the UK. Low MOQ from 200 pieces. Full export documentation included.
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