Import Duty on Indian Handicrafts in 2026: UK vs USA vs UAE vs Australia (Comparison Table)
Import duty can decide whether a handmade product is profitable on your shelf. This page compares what buyers in the four biggest markets for Indian handicrafts pay in 2026: the United Kingdom, the United States, the United Arab Emirates and Australia. It covers the trade agreement that applies, the customs duty on typical handicraft lines, local import tax and the proof of origin you need to claim a lower rate.
Last checked: 9 October 2026. Tariffs change, so always confirm the rate for your exact HS code with your customs broker before you order.
At a glance: import duty on Indian handicrafts by market (2026)
Market | Trade agreement with India | Customs duty on most handicrafts | Import tax | Proof of origin to claim the rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
United Kingdom | India–UK CETA, in force 15 July 2026 | 0% on about 99% of tariff lines | Import VAT (postponed VAT accounting available) | Origin declaration, certificate of origin or importer's knowledge |
United States | No trade agreement; India's GSP ended in 2019 | Normal HTS rate (about 3–10%) plus an extra 10% under Section 301 | No federal VAT or GST on import | Not needed for a lower rate; goods must be marked "Made in India" |
United Arab Emirates | India–UAE CEPA, in force 1 May 2022 | 0% on 97% of tariff lines (standard rate 5% of CIF value) | 5% VAT | CEPA certificate of origin (issued via DGFT) |
Australia | India–Australia ECTA, in force 29 December 2022 | 0% on all tariff lines from 1 January 2026 | 10% GST | ECTA certificate of origin |
European Union | Deal concluded 27 January 2026, not yet in force | Up to 10.5% today on home decor, wooden crafts and furniture | Import VAT | Not yet applicable |
Figures are for typical handicraft and home textile lines. A small number of products can fall under different codes or rates, so check your own HS codes.
United States: typical duty on Indian handicrafts in 2026
The US is the only one of the four markets without a trade deal with India, so duty is the highest. Indian goods pay the normal Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) rate plus an additional 10% under a Section 301 action in force since 24 July 2026. Typical lines:
Product | HTS heading | Normal HTS rate | Plus Section 301 | Approx. total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Ceramic mugs (not porcelain) | 6912 | 10% | +10% | 20% |
Other ceramic tableware (not porcelain) | 6912 | 9.8% | +10% | 19.8% |
Ornamental ceramics, e.g. blue pottery vases | 6913.90.50 | 6% | +10% | 16% |
Wooden ornaments and boxes | 4420 | 3.2% (some 4.3%) | +10% | 13.2% (some 14.3%) |
Printed cotton bed linen | 6302.21.90 | 6.7% | +10% | 16.7% |
Cotton tote bags and handbags | 4202.22.45 / 4202.92.15 | 6.3% | +10% | 16.3% |
Classification depends on the exact product. Check any code on the USITC HTS search.
Other rules that affect your landed cost
United Kingdom
You need a GB EORI number to import into Great Britain.
Proof of origin is valid for 12 months; the UK may waive proof for consignments up to £1,000; importers keep records for at least four years.
If you forget to claim preference at import, you can generally claim it afterwards within one year.
India stays in the UK's Developing Countries Trading Scheme until 15 July 2028, so importers can choose DCTS or CETA until then.
United States
The $800 de minimis exemption was suspended for all shipping routes from 24 June 2026, so even sample parcels can attract duty.
Wooden articles need a Lacey Act declaration listing the wood species and country of harvest, filed electronically since 1 January 2026.
Ceramics for food use must meet FDA lead limits.
Trade talks between the US and India had stalled again as of early October 2026, so watch for changes.
United Arab Emirates
Commercial invoices for imports of AED 10,000 or more need electronic attestation by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (fee AED 150).
Free zones charge no customs duty on goods held there or re-exported; duty applies when goods move to the mainland.
CEPA origin rules typically require at least 40% value added in India plus a change of tariff classification.
Australia
GST is 10% of the customs value plus duty, international transport and insurance.
Strict biosecurity rules apply: wooden goods must be bark-free and clean, and import conditions are set in BICON.
Timber pallets and crates must comply with ISPM 15.
How to claim the lower rate
Confirm the HS code of each product with your customs broker.
Check the preferential rate for that code under the relevant agreement.
Ask your exporter for the right proof of origin with every shipment. In India, preferential certificates are issued through the DGFT certificate of origin platform.
Keep the documents for audit.
Using this table
Journalists, bloggers, trade bodies and educators are welcome to quote or reproduce this comparison, with a link to this page as the source. We update it when rates change.
Official sources
Detailed guides by market
This page is general information, not legal or customs advice. Always confirm the duty rate for your HS code with a licensed customs broker.
Kraft Bharat is one of the handicraft exporters in India supplying handmade products to retailers in the UK, US, Australia and UAE, with the origin documents each market needs. Contact our export team for a quotation.
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