Documents and HS Codes You Need to Import Handicrafts from India

Sep 30

3 min read

Updated: Oct 9

Wooden tray set packed to import handicrafts from India — Wooden Had Brass Inlay Containers

To import handicrafts from India smoothly, start with the right documents and the right HS codes. This guide lists what a typical handicraft shipment from India carries, and the codes buyers most often discuss with their brokers.

The core shipping documents

Commercial invoice: buyer and seller details, product description, material, quantity, unit price, total value, Incoterm and currency.
Packing list: carton count, contents of each carton, net and gross weights and dimensions.
Bill of lading or air waybill: issued by the shipping line or airline as the contract of carriage.
Certificate of origin: proves where the goods were made. It is essential if you want to claim a lower duty under a trade agreement.
Other certificates where your country requires them: fumigation or phytosanitary certificates for some wooden goods, and test reports for textiles or food contact items.

Certificates of origin from India

India issues certificates of origin through the DGFT common digital platform. The upgraded eCoO 2.0 system was launched on 27 January 2025 and covers both preferential and non-preferential certificates. Electronic filing of non-preferential certificates has been mandatory since 1 January 2025 (PIB).

For the UK, a separate set of options applies under the India-UK trade agreement, including an origin declaration made on the invoice. See our guide to India's trade agreements for details.

Wood packaging and ISPM 15

Pallets, crates and dunnage made of solid wood must meet ISPM 15. Approved treatments include heat treatment at a 56°C core temperature for 30 minutes, and each piece carries the IPPC mark with a country code, producer code and treatment code. Processed wood such as plywood and wood 6 mm thick or less are exempt. The standard applies to packaging, not to the wooden products you are buying.

Common HS codes when you import handicrafts from India

Descriptions below are from the World Customs Organization HS nomenclature (see for example Chapter 69 and Chapter 63). National tariffs add more digits, and your broker confirms the final classification.

6912: ceramic tableware, kitchenware and household articles, other than porcelain, for example blue pottery bowls
6913: statuettes and other ornamental ceramic articles
4419: tableware and kitchenware of wood
4420: wood marquetry, jewellery boxes and caskets, statuettes and other wooden ornaments
6302: bed linen, table linen, toilet and kitchen linen
6303: curtains, drapes and interior blinds
6304: other furnishing articles, not including those of heading 9404
4202.22 or 4202.92: bags with an outer surface of textile. Handbags fall under 4202.22, while shopping and tote bags may fall under 4202.92. Ask your broker.
3924 and 3926: articles of plastics, which may apply to some resin items depending on the main material

Tips to avoid delays

Describe products plainly on the invoice: material first, then use. "Mango wood serving tray" is better than "decor item".
Keep the HS code consistent across invoice, packing list and certificate of origin.
Declare mixed-material items carefully. The material that gives the product its essential character usually decides the code.
Check your country's rules for wood, textiles and food contact items before the goods ship.

We prepare the export paperwork

As a handicraft exporter from India, Kraft Bharat prepares invoices, packing lists and certificates of origin for every shipment. Tell us your destination and we will include the documents you need. Explore our product range.

General information, not customs advice. Checked on 30 September 2026.

Frequently asked questions

What documents come with a handicraft shipment from India?

A commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading or air waybill and a certificate of origin, plus any certificates your country requires.

What is the HS code for blue pottery?

Ceramic household articles other than porcelain usually fall under HS 6912 and ornamental ceramics under HS 6913. Your broker confirms the final code.

Where are Indian certificates of origin issued?

Through the DGFT common digital platform for certificates of origin.