Shipping Readymade Garments From India To UK | Costs & Tips
Shipping readymade garments from India to the UK is undoubtedly a complex process. Various significant factors, like customs paperwork, tight retail deadlines, and fluctuating freight rates, are involved in the process. You also need to be aware of the impact of the India-UK trade agreement on duties, which we will be discussing in this piece. An export house like Cheer Sagar can help you get the shipping done smoothly. However, if you’re looking to go through the operational checklist required to cut any delays, below you’ll find a detailed overview of lead times, costs and best practices.
Complete Guide on Timelines, Average Costs, Duties & Best Practices to Keep Exports Running Smoothly
Understanding all the variables, like managing documentation, timelines and duties, can go a long way in establishing your readymade garment export business. Whether you are looking to offload your export duties to an export house or learn how to manage each step, the following guide will help you get accustomed to the shipping process to help you carry it out smoothly.
General Shipping Timelines From India to the UK Via Sea Freight
For carrying bulk shipments, sea freight is the most commonly chosen and cost-effective option for exporting apparel. The transit time of sea freight is around 20 to 30 days from one port to another. And for door-to-door shipping, it takes around 25 to 45 days, depending on the starting point and UK destination.
The starting ports are mainly one among Nhava Sheva, Mundra, and Chennai, and the destination can be either Felixstowe or London Gateway.
The transit time may vary port congestion, any shipping route changes, and transshipments may add a week or two. The average cost of sea freight rates is around $1,600 to $1,900 per container for bulk shipments. Although the cost may vary according to the container size (20ft vs 40ft), loading and handling charges, insurance and packaging, customs clearance, and seasonality.
General Shipping Timelines From India to the UK Via Air Freight
Air freight is commonly chosen for small and urgent orders. The high-value orders are mostly done via air freight. The transit time takes about 2 to 10 days for door-to-door. The average cost varies according to the weight and volume of the shipment. However, the average cost is estimated to be around 5 to 10 times the sea freight per unit. Air freight is mostly used for samples and urgent orders.
For both sea freight and air freight rates, you can check the timings and quotes of Freightos.
Customs Duties & Taxes
Fortunately, the India-UK Free Trade Agreement, since July 2025, has reduced duties on many textiles and garment categories. In fact, if your apparel meets all the rules of origin and has valid Proof of Origin documents, you can get lower or even zero duty rates. All you need to know here is that the UK charges 20% import VAT on most clothing products. VAT is calculated on the total (Cost, Insurance, Freight, & Duties) value.
What Are the Must-Have Export Documents?
Required export documents for apparel include:
-
A commercial invoice is required with all the details like HS code, Incoterms, and value.
-
Packing list that contains details of cartons, product breakdown and weights.
-
As proof of shipment Bill of Lading or Airway Bill is required.
-
Tariff benefits can be claimed under the India-UK FTA with a Proof of Origin document.
-
For high-value stocks and shipments, an insurance certificate is a must.
-
Lastly, for specific apparel (for e.g. children’s wear), lab test reports may be required.
Labelling Requirements & UK Compliance
Your apparel manufacturer needs to follow a few basic rules before shipping products to meet the UK labelling criteria. Fibre content label, care label, and safety compliance (for children’s wear) need to be mentioned in a clearly visible font in English.
Best Practices
-
Plan your timeline wisely as per the timelines mentioned here. For example, for sea-freights, at least consider 30 to 45 days minimum for door-to-door delivery and don't forget to include production and customs buffers.
-
Get multiple freight quotes to get better rates and routes.
-
Arrange a pre-shipment inspection by checking the apparel quality, label and packaging to avoid rejections.
-
Do not forget about cargo insurance, as it protects against any damage or loss during transit.
Conclusion
Shipping garments from India to the UK is all about documentation, timing, and detail. The process may be complex; however, with competitive freight rates, reduced duties, and good planning, Indian exporters can help you establish your brand in the UK. One of the best garment exporters in India, like CheerSagar, is well-positioned with years of expertise in strengthening your brand's presence in the UK. Check out CheerSagar’s website to learn more about how we can help you manufacture and import fashion apparel to help you establish your brand.
Related Blog
Marketing Strategies For Expanding Your Textile Export Business
Expanding your textile export business requires more than producing quality goods; it demands a robust marketing strategy to penetrate global...
5 Things You Need To Know To Export Women’s Clothing From India To Japan
The land of the rising sun is a great market for apparel. They have a huge middle class population...
A Step By Step Guide On How To Start A Clothing Line
Every well-known brand has a backstory. For example, a garment brand that now dominates department shops may have started...