Shipping from India to the UK is quicker than from the Far East, and the new UK–India trade agreement means many importers can now cut their duty costs. As with any trade, the details matter: the right port, realistic timelines from inland factories, and proof of origin that holds up.
Transit times from India to the UK
| From | To | Via Suez Canal | Via Cape of Good Hope |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nhava Sheva (Mumbai) | Felixstowe / Southampton / London Gateway | 20–26 days | 32–40 days |
| Mundra (Gujarat) | Felixstowe / Southampton / London Gateway | 20–26 days | 32–40 days |
| Chennai / Kattupalli | Felixstowe / Southampton | 24–32 days | 34–44 days |
| Tuticorin / Cochin | Felixstowe / Southampton | 24–32 days | 34–44 days |
Indicative ranges. Many sailings from India tranship at Colombo, Jebel Ali or a Mediterranean hub, which adds time. Check the routing of the service you're quoted.
Ports and inland container depots
Most Indian containers leave through the west coast ports of Nhava Sheva (JNPT, near Mumbai) and Mundra (Gujarat), which have the best connections to Europe. Chennai and Kattupalli serve the south and east, and Tuticorin and Cochin the far south.
Many factories are a long way inland, around Delhi, Ludhiana, Tiruppur or Moradabad for example. Goods are often loaded at an inland container depot (ICD), cleared for export there, and railed to the port. This is reliable, but it can add a week or more to the timeline, so include it when you plan.
The UK–India Free Trade Agreement
The UK–India Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement came into force on 15 July 2026. It cuts or removes UK duty on a wide range of goods originating in India, including many textiles, clothing, footwear, home furnishings, engineering goods and food products. To claim the lower rate:
- The goods must meet the agreement's rules of origin.
- You need proof of origin: an origin declaration by the exporter, a certificate of origin, or in some cases the importer's own knowledge, backed by records.
- Your customs entry must claim the preference with the right document code.
- Customs value (goods plus freight to the UK)
- £25,000
- Duty at an example standard rate of 12%
- £3,000
- Duty at a 0% preferential rate
- £0
- Duty saved on one container
- £3,000
Illustrative figures. Check the standard and preferential rates for your commodity code on the UK Trade Tariff. Some goods have reductions phased in over several years.
Documents you'll need
- Commercial invoice and packing list
- Bill of lading
- Proof of origin, if claiming a preferential rate
- Your GB EORI number and correct UK commodity codes
- Health certificates for food and plant products where required
- ISPM 15 treated wood packaging
What we commonly ship from India
- Clothing, home textiles and rugs
- Leather goods and footwear
- Engineering goods, castings and auto parts
- Natural stone, granite and tiles
- Rice, tea, spices and food products
- Chemicals and pharmaceuticals
Seasons and holidays
The monsoon, roughly June to September, can slow road transport and port operations. Diwali, in October or November, slows production for a week or so. Plan orders around both, and allow for the inland leg if your supplier is far from the coast.
How we handle India imports
We compare services from the west coast ports and inland depots, help your supplier prepare the origin documents for the trade agreement, track the shipment from factory to port, and book UK haulage before arrival.
Written by the 365 Freight team · Last reviewed . Rates, rules and schedules change, so we'll confirm the details for your shipment when we quote.