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Trade Guide 8 min readMay 2025

India–UK Trade: What Buyers Need to Know in 2025

Post-Brexit import rules, customs duties, payment methods, and how to find verified Indian suppliers for your UK business.

The India–UK Trade Opportunity


India is the UK's 12th largest trading partner, with bilateral trade exceeding £36 billion annually. For UK buyers, India offers world-class manufacturing in textiles, engineering goods, pharmaceuticals, gems & jewellery, and IT services at highly competitive prices.


Import Duties & GSP


Post-Brexit, the UK introduced the Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS), replacing the EU's GSP. Under DCTS, most Indian goods enter the UK at 0% or reduced duty rates. Check the UK Global Tariff on GOV.UK for your specific commodity code.


Common Indian Export Documents


When importing from India, request:

  • Commercial Invoice (signed)
  • Packing List
  • Certificate of Origin (Form A for DCTS preference)
  • Bill of Lading / Airway Bill
  • GST Invoice (for goods above ₹50,000)
  • FSSAI Certificate (for food products)
  • BIS Certification (for regulated electronics)

  • Payment Methods


  • Letter of Credit (LC): Safest for large orders. Bank guarantees payment upon document presentation.
  • T/T (Wire Transfer): Common for established relationships. 30% upfront, 70% on B/L copy.
  • PayPal / Wise: For small samples only. High fees and limited buyer protection.
  • Escrow (via trade platforms): Good middle ground for first orders.

  • Finding Verified Indian Suppliers


    Ventiere lists verified Indian exporters across textiles, handicrafts, food, engineering, and more. All suppliers undergo document verification before being marked as verified.


    Search Indian suppliers on Ventiere

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