How To Sell Products From India To UK in 2025: Full Guide

Figuring out how to sell products from India to UK can be challenging. There are many things to consider when exporting goods internationally. India and the UK have a long history of trade. India is one of the largest exporters of many items, like machinery, jewellery, clothes, crafts, and medicines. The UK wants more Indian goods—from clothes and spices to jewelry and sustainable, eco-friendly items—the demand keeps going up. But how do you start selling from India to the UK? Here's a simple guide on how to sell products from India to UK in 2025.

Why Sell Goods from India To The UK?

India and the UK have a strong trade tie, and by 2025, it's better than ever. Here are the key reasons why sending goods from India to the UK is a smart move for business:

1. India-UK FTA 

A Free Trade Agreement (FTA) contract has been signed between the countries, which reduces 90% tariffs on imports and exports between India and the UK, and lets Indian exporters trade duty-free. Traders from both can now enjoy higher profits. The UK will gain access to the consumer base in India that demands higher quality goods, and India will have access to the UK’s consumer base that has high disposable income.

2. Consumer Demand

The UK has a large customer base with higher disposable income, making the UK one of the best locations for trade.

3. Many Indians in the UK

With over 1.5 million Indians in the UK, there is always a need for goods from India, such as spices, traditional outfits, sweets, and health products.

4. Similar Laws & Regulations

India and the UK have similar laws when it comes to trading internationally, which makes it easier to sell goods there. Similar documents are required, and only certain items are prohibited from shipping.

4. Bilateral Trade

The Bilateral Trade between India and the UK is around $60 billion and is expected to double by 2030. Sellers can enjoy increased profits if they invest in the trade.

Best Selling Products in The UK Market From India

First, you need to know what you want to sell. The UK likes certain things, and knowing this can help you succeed. Here are the top kinds and goods sent:

• Electrical Equipment: Electronic equipment and parts like appliances and telecommunication devices.
• Machinery: Various types of machinery, including nuclear reactors and boilers.
• Clothing: Cotton clothes, sarees, scarves, ready-to-wear.
• Jewelry: Gold, silver, fake jewelry, stones.
• Spices & Food: Basmati rice, turmeric, curry mix, packed snacks.
• Crafts: Wood toys, metal work, traditional home decor.
• Health & Herbal Items: Oils, pills, skin care.
• Drugs: Common drugs and health pills.
• Shoes & Leather Items: Handmade shoes, belts, and wallets.
• Wood Works: Solid wood items, carved things.

Items Restricted From Shipping To The UK

Some items can't go into the UK or need special permits:

Not allowed at all

• Drugs and mind-changing goods
• Fake goods and money
• Dangerous weapons
• Obscene materials (books, DVDs, magazines, movies)
• Endangered animals or plants (without a permit)

Need special permit

• Some food items (like dairy or meat)
• Drugs and health pills
• Weapons and bullets
• Live animals or animal parts
• Risky chemicals and materials

For all rules, see the UK Government’s Import Rules and Guidance.

How to Sell Products from India to UK?

1. Air Freight

• Sending your deliveries by air travel. This is the quickest way (2–7 days).
• Good for small, pricey, or need-it-now items.
• Air freight security is very high.
• You may see many brands give air freight services like DHL, FedEx, Gxpress, and more.

2. Ocean Freight

• Also called sea freight. Sending your packages by ocean. 
• Takes 20–40 days, based on port.
• Logistics partners often have ocean freight container tracking option available.
• Type of ocean freight logistics: 
  • Full Container Load (FCL) when the entire container is full of goods of one shipper.
  • Less than Container Load (LCL) is when multiple shippers share the container for their goods.

You May Like Also: LCL and FCL Shipping: A Comprehensive Guide

3. Courier/Express Services

• They bring it right to your door.
• Best for small boxes and online buys.
• They handle customs too.

4. Postal Services (India Post)

• Useful for papers and small-value items.
• You can pick Speed Post or Registered Airmail.
• Less costly but takes longer than a courier.

5. Freight Forwarders & Logistics Companies

• Their amazon fulfillment services give security to your deliveries.
• They manage all shipping, papers, customs, and delivery.
• Let you pick air, sea, or more ways to send.

Warehouse activities in logistics are also available.

Documentation Needed To Send Goods To The UK From India

The right paperwork is key for a smooth process. Here’s what you need:

• Letter of Undertaking (LUT) – This letter exempts traders from having to pay taxes immediately.
• Import Export Code (IEC) – It is the export license, a must for all sellers from India.
• Certificate of Origin – It is the evidence of goods that have been transported to any country.
• Commercial Bill – Has product info, prices, buyer, and seller info.
• Packing List – Details of all items sent.
• Bill of Lading / Airway Bill – Given by the ship or airline.
• Shipper’s Letter of Instruction – Issued by the exporter, giving instructions to the delivery service partner in the country importing it.
• Shipping Bill – Done through Indian customs for clearing.
• Insurance Proof – For loss or damage while moving.
• FSSAI License (for food) – Needed for food items.
• UK-specific papers – Like UKCA for electronics or product labels.
• EORI Number (for UK buyer) – Needed for customs in the UK.

Tip: Always double-check with your shipping agent or custom broker about specific product needs.

Know the UK’s Import Laws

Each place has its own rules. In 2025, after Brexit, UK rules are still strict, so follow these:

• Product Compliance: Get UKCA (UK Conformity Assessed) marking for electronics, toys, and some goods.
• Labeling & Packaging: Must be in English, and meet UK standards (mainly for food, beauty stuff, and supplements).
• VAT Registration: If you keep goods in the UK or sell directly to UK folks, you might need to sign up for VAT.
• EORI Number: Stands for Economic Operator Registration and Identification, needed for customs in the UK.

Tip: Work with UK import agents or customs brokers to make this easy.

Understand Taxes & Fees

In 2025, UK imports from places outside the EU (like India) face:

• Import VAT: Often 20%, may vary depending on the products.
• Customs Duty: Changes by product type. No charges for goods that are worth £135 or under. Above £135 is charged at least 2.5%.
• Handling Fees: Added by courier services/customs brokers.

To not get surprised: Use tools or online calculators to get an estimate of the UK Trade Tariffs.

Why is Now The Best Time To Ship To The UK?

2025 is a great chance for Indian sellers to learn how to sell products from India to UK and grow in the UK market. Here's why:

1. India-UK FTA

The Free Trade Association (FTA) between India and the UK has been in talks since 2022. The agreement has been signed recently and is hoped to be implemented within this year. The expected India-UK FTA will lower costs and open doors for Indian sellers in clothes, jewelry, meds, and more.

2. Post-Brexit Needs

Post-Brexit, the UK wants new trade friends outside the EU, with India as a key friend. This puts Indian businesses in a good spot for British buyers and sellers.

3. Love for Green & Ethnic Goods

UK buyers now want items that are good for the Earth, made by hand, and fair—things Indian goods are known for.

4. Tech Better

Shipping, paying, and following rules are now easier and driven by tech. Systems like Amazon Global Selling, GXpress, Shiprocket X and Payoneer make the whole selling process simple.

5. Money Plus

The Indian Rupee's good rate to the British Pound lets Indian sellers keep good prices while still making good money.

Conclusion

Learning how to sell products from India to UK, can turn into an incredible opportunity if you plan well. With the India-UK FTA finally taking off, now is a golden opportunity for traders. This agreement will improve relations between the countries and make India’s economy blossom further. From papers to picking platforms, logistics to advertising—every stop counts. Start small, keep learning, and change as the market does. There are many reliable shipping services to choose from. The world is your market, and the UK is ready for top-notch Indian goods.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about how to sell products from India to UK:

Q1. How can I sell my products in the UK from India?

You can use web stores like Amazon UK to sell your products. First, set up your firm in India, get an Import Export Code (IEC), make sure your products meet UK rules, and pick a good way to ship.

Q2. Which product is most exported from India to UK?

Clothes and textiles lead, then comes jewelry, drugs, spices, and organic foods.

Q3. Is there import duty from India to UK?

Yes, the UK adds customs duty and VAT to most things from India. These costs change with each type of product.

Q4. Do I need a license to sell online UK?

If you sell on sites like Amazon and don't keep goods in the UK, you often don't need a permit. Still, you must sign up for VAT and follow UK product rules.

Q5. Do I need a license to export from India?

Yes, you must have an Import Export Code (IEC) from DGFT. For some goods, like food, you might need extra permits like FSSAI or a paper from an export group.

Q6. How much is import tax from India to UK?

Import VAT is mostly 20%, and customs fee goes from 0% to 12% based on the item. Check the UK Trade Tariffs for exact costs.