Step-by-Step Process for Exporting to the UK

Step 1: Obtain Importer-Exporter Code (IEC)

IEC issued by DGFT is mandatory for any export from India.

You require:

PAN
Business registration
Bank details
Address proof

IEC is the first step for all export activities.

Step 2: Understand UK Market & Regulatory Requirements

The UK is highly regulated and product-specific compliance is crucial.

Regulatory bodies in the UK include:

HMRC (Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs)
UK Border Force
MHRA (Pharma & medical devices)
FSA (Food Standards Agency)
Trading Standards (Consumer products)

Key compliance categories:

Food products: Must comply with UKFSA standards
Cosmetics: Must comply with UK Cosmetics Regulation
Electronics: UKCA marking is replacing CE marking
Toys: UK Toy Safety Standards required

Always verify whether your product needs:

UKCA marking
Safety data sheets
Lab testing
Importer details on label

Step 3: Identify HS Code & UK Duty Structure

Correct HS classification helps determine:

UK import duty
VAT liability
Applicable product regulations

Check UK Global Tariff (UKGT) for duty rates on your HS code.

Step 4: Prepare Export Documentation

Documents must be complete and accurate.

Mandatory Documents:

Commercial Invoice
Packing List
Shipping Bill (via ICEGATE)
Bill of Lading / Airway Bill
Certificate of Origin
Insurance Certificate

Additional documents (if required):

Phytosanitary certificate (agri products)
Health certificate (meat, seafood, dairy)
Compliance test reports
UKCA / CE certificates

Step 5: Ensure Proper Packaging & Labeling for UK Market

The UK requires detailed and safe consumer labeling.

General label requirements:

Manufacturer name/address
Country of origin (Made in India)
Batch number
Shelf life / expiry date
Safety warnings (if applicable)

Extra for food items:

Nutritional label
Allergen declaration
Ingredient list
Best before date

Extra for electronics:

UKCA or CE marking
Voltage/Frequency specifications

Step 6: Select Shipping Method

Sea Freight:

Cost-effective for bulk shipments.
Common UK ports: Felixstowe, Southampton, Liverpool, London Gateway.

Air Freight:

Fast delivery for high-value goods.
Handled through London Heathrow, Manchester, Birmingham airports.

Clear Incoterms (FOB, CIF, DDP) must be discussed with buyers.

Step 7: File Shipping Bill & Complete Indian Customs Clearance

Your CHA/Freight Forwarder will:

File the shipping bill on ICEGATE
Submit documents to Indian Customs
Obtain Let Export Order
Arrange container loading

Once cleared, goods are shipped to the UK.

Step 8: UK Customs Clearance

On arrival, UK Customs (HMRC) verifies:

Invoice
HS code
Origin details
Labeling & compliance proofs
Product safety certificates

Duties and VAT (usually 20%) are applied unless exemptions apply.

Some products must be pre-notified in UK systems (especially food).

Step 9: Delivery to Buyer, Distributor, or Marketplace

After clearance, goods move to:

Buyer’s warehouse
Retail stores
E-commerce fulfillment centers (Amazon UK, Tesco, eBay, etc.)
UK logistics hubs

Indian exporters benefit from growing online marketplaces in the UK.

Step 10: Claim Export Incentives in India

Eligible exporters can claim:

RoDTEP rebates
Duty Drawback
GST Refund under LUT/Bond

Maintain export documents for DGFT and GST audits.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Does the UK still accept CE marking?

Yes, for some categories CE marking is temporarily accepted, but UKCA is becoming mandatory.

2. Are food products heavily regulated?

Yes. FSA compliance, labeling rules, and ingredient safety are strict.

3. Do Indian sellers export to Amazon UK?

Yes. Amazon FBA UK is a popular route for Indian exporters.

4. How long does UK customs take?

Typically 1–5 days depending on documentation and product category.

5. Does UK require Chinese or multilingual labeling?

No. English labeling is mandatory.

Final Tips for Exporters to the UK

Ensure UK-specific compliance (especially UKCA).
Keep HS codes and documentation accurate.
Work with experienced freight forwarders familiar with UK regulations.
Stay updated with post-Brexit customs changes.

Disclaimer

This blog is for informational purposes only. Export rules, customs procedures, and UK compliance standards may change based on updates by DGFT, HMRC, FSA, MHRA, and other authorities. Readers should consult certified professionals before making business decisions. Saving Mantra is not responsible for any decisions made based on this content.

Step-by-Step Process for Export to the United Kingdom (UK)