Importing from India to the UK

India is one of the world’s largest exporters of goods and is the UK’s twelfth largest partner. It also has one of the fastest growing economies in the world. Trade between the UK and India totalled £38.1 billion in the four quarters to the end of Q3 2023 (DTI Investment Factsheet on India) Top imports from India to the UK were in the same period were refined oil, clothing, pharmaceuticals, power generators and telecommunications equipment. We have seen an increase in imports from India to the UK at T.Ward, along with China, India is the UK’s largest source of imports, and this market keeps growing. 

Transit times from India to the UK for sea freight

Shipping goods from India via sea freight usually takes between 30 to 35 days, depending on port of departure and arrival. If your goods are shipped by FCL, times will be slightly quicker as there will be less processing time for your goods compared to LCL. You should always allow some extra time for your shipment, as sea freight is often subject to delays for various reasons.

The major ports in India include:

• Nhava Sheva (Mumbai)

• Port of Mundra (Gujarat)

• Port of Chennai. 

Freight sails from India to the following UK ports:

• London Gateway

• Southampton 

• Felixstowe

We will ensure your goods are delivered from the port to your door, wherever you are in the UK.

Air Freight from India

Transit times are quicker via air freight due to the shorter journey times. However, there are limits on the amounts that can be transported via air and security controls are stricter. Airfreight can be the best method of shipment where timing is crucial. Find out more about airfreight. 

Customs clearance for goods from India

If you are importing any goods via sea or air freight you will always need to arrange customs clearance of your goods and pay the relevant import taxes and duties owed to HMRC.

You can appoint your own clearance agent who can arrange all customs formalities for you.

Import duty and VAT on goods from India

The amount of import duty and VAT you pay on your goods will depend on their commodity code.  Your Indian seller will be able to inform you what HS (harmonized commodity) or Commodity code they use and from this we/you can determine with UK HMRC what the import VAT and duty levels will be.

For further information please go to the government's online list of global tariffs.

LCL v FCL (Less than Container Load vs Full Container Load)

LCL shipments from India to the UK

Your goods will be collected from the factory in India, then go to a warehouse close to the port of departure. They will then be stuffed into a shipping container, of which there could be several other shipments as well. 

Typically, it takes around 30-35 days port/port from India to Felixstowe or Southampton. On arrival to the UK the container will then be discharged from the container ship and wait for UK customs approval. After approval, the container will go to a warehouse and be unloaded.  The warehouse will then palletise individual shipments ready for collection.

FCL shipments from India to the UK

The process is very similar to LCL but usually the whole container will be stuffed at the factory and then sent directly to the port of loading in India.

On arrival in the UK you can either have the whole FCL container delivered to a warehouse of your choice or the whole container can be delivered to your depot where you can unload items.

More on sea freight 

Costs for shipping goods from India to the UK

As a freight forwarder, we will provide you with a quote tailored to your exact requirements. This will depend on your goods (their weight, volume etc) and choice of transportation.