How to Import Handicrafts into India: A Complete Guide

Importing handicrafts into India is a regulated but straightforward process once you have an Import Export Code (IEC), a registered overseas supplier, and the right shipping documents — clearance happens electronically through the ICEGATE portal of CBIC, with applicable customs duty and IGST paid at the port of arrival. The steps below walk Indian importers through the full path from supplier identification to delivery at the warehouse, and flag the points where overseas buyers can plug into the GreenFlip India network for demand and distribution.

Confirm the product and the ITC-HS code

Before placing any order, classify the product correctly. Handicrafts and home décor fall under Chapter 97 of the Indian Trade Classification (ITC-HS) — sub-headings cover woodware, metalware, textile-based décor, ceramic, glass, lacquerware, and so on. The right sub-heading determines the basic customs duty, any additional duties, and whether the goods need special clearances (for example, antiques or items covered by wildlife laws). If your product contains wood, leather, feathers, or plant material, check whether CITES or Indian wildlife (Wild Life Protection Act) rules apply — these can block entry even if duty is paid.

Get your IEC from DGFT

An Import Export Code issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade is mandatory for any commercial import into India, including handicrafts. The application is filed online on the DGFT portal and is linked to your PAN and a bank account. Without a valid IEC, customs will not clear a consignment in the importer’s name. There is no separate “handicraft importer” licence — the IEC is generic, and you must also hold a valid GST registration (regular or under the import bond route) before filing the Bill of Entry.

Find overseas suppliers and fix the Incoterms

Indian importers typically source handicrafts from South-East Asia (Indonesia, Vietnam, the Philippines for rattan and wood), China (ceramics, metal, lanterns), Thailand (silk décor), Egypt and Morocco (metal and leather), and increasingly from Latin America and Africa. Use verified B2B platforms, trade fair contacts from EPCH (Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts) buyer-seller meets, or referrals from the GreenFlip global network at greenflip.org, where overseas sellers can connect directly with Indian demand.

Before confirming the order, agree the Incoterms in writing. For handicraft imports, the most common terms are:

• FOB (Free On Board) — you take responsibility once goods are on the ship, so you must arrange marine insurance and freight.
• CIF (Cost, Insurance & Freight) — the supplier pays freight and basic insurance up to the Indian port; you still insure top-up cover if needed.
• DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) — the supplier delivers to your warehouse, paying duties; useful for small parcels or first-time trades, but rare for handicraft shipments.

For fragile goods like ceramics, glass, and resin décor, CIF is usually preferred so the supplier owns the risk during the ocean leg.

Shipping documents you must collect

The standard import document set for handicrafts includes:

• Commercial Invoice
• Packing List
• Bill of Lading or Airway Bill
• Certificate of Origin (often required for preferential duty under free trade agreements — check DGFT FTA lists)
• Fumigation / phytosanitary certificate for wood or plant-based items
• Insurance certificate (if CIF or CIP)

Keep originals ready; customs may demand physical presentation for high-value consignments or for goods under restricted categories.

File the Bill of Entry on ICEGATE

All import clearance in India is electronic. Before the vessel arrives, the customs broker or the importer (if registered as a Self-Assessment importer) files a Bill of Entry on the ICEGATE portal (icegate.gov.in) under CBIC. The Bill of Entry carries the IEC, GSTIN, ITC-HS code, invoice value, and Incoterm-based assessable value. The ICEGATE system calculates the applicable Basic Customs Duty, Social Welfare Surcharge, IGST, and any anti-dumping or safeguard duty if applicable. The Bill of Entry is also where you claim any exemption notification (for handicrafts re-exported after value addition, certain EPCG cases, or duty-free import under specific schemes) — confirm eligibility with a licensed customs broker or chartered accountant before relying on any concession.

Pay duty and clear the cargo

ICEGATE generates a payment challan. Duty can be paid electronically through the ICEGATE duty payment module, which is linked to the authorised bank. Once duty is paid, the system issues an out-of-charge order. For handicrafts, physical examination is common in the first few shipments (to verify description and value); a working relationship with an experienced CHA reduces delay.

GST on imported handicrafts

Imports are treated as inter-state supplies, so IGST is levied on the assessable value plus customs duty at the rate applicable to the product. The IGST paid can be claimed as Input Tax Credit on your GST portal return, provided the goods are used for further taxable supply. If you import under a Letter of Undertaking for re-export, you can defer IGST. Verify the current IGST rate for your specific ITC-HS sub-heading on the GST portal before quoting landed cost to your buyer.

Quick pre-shipment checklist

• IEC active and linked to PAN
• GST registration active, GSTIN ready
• ITC-HS sub-heading identified; restricted-item check done
• Incoterm decided and written into the purchase order
• Marine insurance arranged (if FOB or EXW)
• Supplier’s invoice, packing list, COO agreed in advance
• CHA onboarded; ICEGATE login and CHA licence verified
• Duty and IGST funds ready in the ICEGATE-linked bank account

Where GreenFlip India fits in

GreenFlip India (greenflip.in) is the Indian desk of the global GreenFlip network (greenflip.org). For Indian importers, that means access to vetted overseas craft suppliers and to inbound demand for Indian-made pieces abroad. For overseas sellers reading this, the network is a route into the Indian market without building a local entity — the desk handles introductions, document guidance, and last-mile distribution.

Bottom line

Importing handicrafts into India runs on three pillars: a valid IEC and GSTIN from DGFT and the GST portal, correct ITC-HS classification, and clean electronic filing on the ICEGATE customs portal under CBIC. Get the Incoterms and shipping documents right before the goods ship, and the rest — duty payment, examination, and out-of-charge — is largely a same-day process. Always reconfirm current duty rates, IGST rates, and any restriction with the official portals (DGFT, CBIC/ICEGATE, GST) before you commit, since these change with the annual Finance Bill and routine customs notifications.

Note: This guide is general information for planning, not legal, tax, or customs advice. Indian trade rules change — always confirm current requirements on the official portal (DGFT, ICEGATE/CBIC, the GST portal, or BIS) or with a licensed customs broker before you ship.