Indian Subcontinent transit times
| Country | Main ports | Via Suez Canal | Via Cape of Good Hope |
|---|---|---|---|
| India, west coast | Nhava Sheva, Mundra, Pipavav | 20–26 days | 32–40 days |
| India, south and east | Chennai, Kattupalli, Tuticorin, Cochin | 24–32 days | 34–44 days |
| Pakistan | Karachi, Port Qasim | 20–28 days | 32–40 days |
| Sri Lanka | Colombo | 20–26 days | 32–38 days |
| Bangladesh | Chittagong (via Colombo or Singapore) | 30–40 days | 42–52 days |
Indicative ranges. Bangladesh cargo usually feeders to a hub port first. Allow extra time for goods starting at inland container depots.
Trade agreements and preferences
- India: the UK–India Free Trade Agreement came into force on 15 July 2026, cutting or removing duty on a wide range of Indian goods with valid proof of origin
- Bangladesh: has had duty-free access to the UK as a least developed country under the Developing Countries Trading Scheme, and is due to graduate from that status, with transition arrangements for preferences
- Pakistan and Sri Lanka: may qualify for reduced rates under the Developing Countries Trading Scheme
Each scheme has its own rules of origin and proof requirements, so check before you rely on a lower rate.
Inland origins
Much of the region's manufacturing is a long way from the coast, in places such as Delhi, Ludhiana, Tiruppur, Lahore and Sialkot. Goods are often loaded and cleared at an inland container depot and railed to the port. It's reliable, but adds a week or more, and congestion at the ports can add more. We build the inland leg into your timeline from the start.
What moves on this trade
Garments and home textiles from Bangladesh, India and Pakistan, sports goods and surgical instruments from Pakistan, tea, spices and rice, leather goods, engineering parts and natural stone. UK exports include machinery, chemicals, whisky and food products.
Seasons and holidays
The monsoon, roughly June to September, can slow road transport and port work. Diwali in India, Eid across the region and Bengali New Year in Bangladesh all slow production for a week or so.