Incoterms for Shipping Tiles from India
The incoterm that you agree with your supplier in India (otherwise known as “the shipper”) will depend upon whether you are importing tiles from India in a full shipping container (FCL) or are planning to ship a less than container load (LCL) for shipping from India.
For LCL it is recommended that you agree either a FOB or EXW term. If you are shipping FCL then you could utilise EXW, FOB, DAP or anything in between.
FOB (free on board) means that the shipper is responsible for the risk and arranging the goods to be delivered to a pre-agreed ship at a particular port. For FOB, the shipper also takes care of the export customs at origin. As the UK importer, you will be able to appoint your UK based freight forwarder to handle the sea freight, UK customs clearance and delivery to your door in the UK.
EXW (ex works) means you, as the UK importer, are responsible for the entire journey from the shipper’s door in India (plus export declaration in India) to your own door in the UK (plus UK import customs clearance).
DAP (delivered at place) means the shipper in India is responsible for getting the shipment to an agreed destination in the UK, and you (the UK importer) will arrange the customs clearance and cover any UK import taxes and duties.
Importing Tiles from India via Sea Freight
There are weekly direct sea freight sailings from the major ports in India to the major ports in the UK. The exact transit times port to port will vary, but typically sea freight shipping from India to the UK takes between 17 to 21 days (providing there are no unusual circumstances affecting world trade).
Due to weight limits for inland haulage, importing tiles from India will typically be arranged in 20’ shipping containers. Maximum weight limits on roads differs across the globe, so ensure the shipper is aware of restrictions on the UK roads and goods are loaded at origin accordingly.
UK Customs Clearance for Importing Tiles from India
Once your import consignment of tiles from India has arrived in the UK, it will need to be cleared through customs using a customs broker. Mercator has direct links to the major UK sea freight ports allowing us to complete timely customs clearances. This, teamed with our recently awarded AEO status, makes us a great partner to ensure your customs controls are compliant and streamlined.
Trade Agreements Between India and the UK
India is named in the UK’s Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS) which allows the ability to claim preferential tariff rates on certain goods. More details can be found on the UK trade tariff by selecting the commodity code that is applicable to your goods. If your goods qualify for preferential duty rates, our team will ensure that your documentation provided to us is compliant and up to date with current HMRC requirements.
If you are looking for a reputable freight forwarder to handle your imports from India, whether you have a full or part container load, please get in touch with our import team who will be able to assist you with a quote. You can contact our team by calling (+44) 02392 756 575, emailing sales@mercatorcargo.co.uk or completing the form below and someone will be in touch.
