Smarter UK Fashion Brands Import from India Summary More UK fashion brands are now importing clothing from India due to zero-duty benefits under the India UK FTA, high ethical standards, and reliable supply chain systems. This guide explains how to source responsibly, handle export and import paperwork, meet UK compliance standards, and reduce costs while building a sustainable global supply chain.
Introduction For UK fashion retailers, global sourcing is not only about affordability but also consistency, sustainability, and regulation confidence. While China has led garment exports for decades, India is now becoming the preferred alternative, offering competitive pricing, flexible capacity, and increasing access to duty-free trade. Importing clothing from India to the UK is simple when the right compliance steps are followed. This guide outlines the complete import workflow, from selecting a manufacturer in India to navigating UK customs, preparing documentation, and ensuring the products meet British quality and labelling requirements.
Why UK Retailers Are Shifting from China to India for Garment Imports China still plays a large role in garment production, but the shift toward India is accelerating due to multiple advantages: Import Duty Relief: The newly implemented India UK FTA removes tariffs for most garment categories, making Indian clothing more cost-effective than Chinese imports. Strengthened Trade Relations: Future-focused bilateral agreements aim to increase trade volume, giving UK brands long-term sourcing stability. Sustainable Manufacturing: India is expanding organic textile production, ethical labour systems, and low-impact dyeing, supporting UK sustainability goals. Risk Diversification: Importing clothing from India reduces overdependence on China and builds stronger supply chain resilience.
Step by Step Guide to Importing Garments from India to the UK Importing becomes smooth and predictable when each step below is completed correctly.
Step 1: Choose a Reliable Clothing Manufacturer in India The most important foundation is selecting a garment supplier who understands UK quality expectations and export laws. Key actions before placing an order: • Verify their experience, certifications, and export credibility • Request samples to evaluate stitching, finishing, fabric strength, and label clarity • Sign an agreement covering pricing, timeline, product specifications, and shipping responsibilities Why choose NoName: NoName is a premium clothing manufacturer in India supplying UK labels for more than 20 years. The company handles export documentation, ensures sustainable production, and works with private labels, making sourcing simpler for new and established retailers.
Step 2: Confirm Indian Export Compliance Before goods leave India, certain documents are required for customs clearance. Retailers importing clothes from India must ensure their supplier is fully compliant.
Essentials include: • Import Export Code provided by DGFT • GST registration to support verified invoicing • Commercial invoice listing price, quantity, fabric, and HS information • Packing list with carton weight, measurement and count • Bill of Lading or Air Waybill for cargo movement proof • Certificate of Origin stating garments are manufactured in India • Export declaration filed with Indian customs Incomplete paperwork is the number one reason shipments get delayed, so verification is crucial.
Step 3: Secure Your EORI Number To clear goods once they reach the UK, retailers must have an EORI number registered with HMRC. This identifier is mandatory for import processing. The application is online and issued within a short waiting period, ensure it is active before your shipment arrives.
Step 4: Use Correct HS & Commodity Codes Every clothing item is assigned a commodity code that determines duty, document requirements, and VAT calculations. Codes differ depending on gender category, fabric type, garment purpose, and blend composition. Accurate code classification prevents penalties, miscalculations, and shipment holds.
Step 5: File Customs Declaration in the UK A formal customs declaration must be submitted through CDS or CHIEF before entry into the UK. Retailers can complete this independently or use a customs broker for smoother clearance. The declaration includes product details, shipment value, country of origin, EORI number, and HS code classification.
Step 6: Pay Import Duty and Taxes The India UK Free Trade Agreement has eliminated tariffs for most garments, but VAT still applies. UK VAT is charged on product value combined with freight costs. Additional charges may appear for port handling or broker services. Accurate documentation ensures fast release at port and easy accounting later.
Step 7: Confirm UK Product and Labelling Compliance Once garments arrive, they must meet UK textile safety and labelling requirements. Required garment labels must include: • Fiber breakdown percentage • Washing symbols and care guidance • Size and batch details • Country of origin printed clearly Retailers selling children’s wear must check flammability, choking risk, and fabric safety standards. Eco-conscious shoppers appreciate certifications for low-chemical dyeing, organic fabrics, or recycled raw materials. Working with compliant manufacturers like NoName makes UK approvals faster and safer.
Advantages of Partnering with NoName Retailers importing clothes from India benefit from: • Broad product capability from casual basics to premium apparel • Sustainable manufacturing processes that support eco-friendly sourcing goals • Private label clothing production for UK brands building identity • Competitive pricing strengthened further by zero-duty imports NoName offers full support from sampling to shipping, making the import process smooth for new UK buyers.
Conclusion: Now Is the Time to Source from India The opportunity for UK fashion retailers to expand through Indian garment sourcing has never been stronger. Fair pricing, flexible production, sustainable fabrics, and duty-free trade create a clear path for scalable growth. When paired with an experienced clothing manufacturer in India like NoName, brands can offer better quality at better margins while meeting compliance standards with ease. If you are ready to diversify your sourcing with premium Indian clothing, NoName can manage everything from production to export documentation.
FAQs What is IEC? The IEC is an export identification code issued by DGFT in India and required for all outward shipments. Do I need an EORI for UK imports? Yes. No shipment can clear UK customs without it. How is import duty calculated? Duty is based on HS code classification. Under FTA, most clothing now falls under zero duty. Are there product restrictions? Garments must meet UK textile labelling and safety rules before sale. How does NoName support UK retailers? NoName manages production, sustainability checks, and export documents, allowing retailers to import effortlessly.
