India Handicraft Export Regulations — What International Importers Need to Know

When importing goods from any country, understanding the export-side regulations is just as important as knowing your own import rules. For handicrafts from India specifically, there are several key regulatory frameworks that govern what can be exported, how, and with what documentation.

This guide is for international buyers who want to ensure their Indian handicraft supplier is operating legally and providing correct documentation for smooth customs clearance.

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1. Import Export Code (IEC)

Every company or individual exporting goods from India must have an Import Export Code (IEC) — a 10-digit code issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), Ministry of Commerce, Government of India.

What this means for buyers: Always verify that your Indian supplier has a valid IEC. A legitimate manufacturer will provide it on request and it will appear on all export documents. If a supplier cannot provide an IEC, do not proceed — they are operating illegally.

You can verify an IEC online at the DGFT portal.

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2. GST Registration

All businesses in India with annual turnover above ₹40 lakhs (approximately $48,000 USD) must be registered under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) system. Exporters — regardless of turnover — must be GST registered to claim export benefits.

What this means for buyers: A legitimate Indian handicraft exporter will have a GST registration number. This number should appear on the Commercial Invoice. Exports from India are zero-rated under GST (meaning 0% GST on exported goods), but the exporter claims GST refunds internally — this does not affect you as a buyer.

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3. EPCH — Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts

The Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH) is the primary government body promoting Indian handicraft exports. EPCH-registered exporters have access to:

• Official buyer-seller meets
• Export fairs (IHGF Delhi Fair)
• Market development assistance from the government

What this means for buyers: While EPCH membership is not mandatory, it is a strong signal of legitimacy. Ask your supplier if they are EPCH-registered. Vidhiraj Global Impex is EPCH-registered.

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4. FIEO — Federation of Indian Export Organisations

FIEO is the apex body of Indian export organisations. Like EPCH, FIEO membership signals an established, serious exporter.

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5. Prohibited & Restricted Export Items

Not all handicrafts can be freely exported from India. The following categories have restrictions:

Antiques (items over 100 years old)

Export of genuine antiques from India is prohibited without a licence from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Any supplier claiming to export "genuine antiques" without documentation should be treated with extreme caution.

Wildlife-derived products

Products made from ivory, tortoiseshell, certain animal bones, or skins of protected species are prohibited under CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species). Reputable manufacturers use only legal materials.

Sandalwood

Raw or primary sandalwood export is heavily restricted. Finished sandalwood products (incense, oils) may be exported with documentation.

What this means for buyers: Stick to suppliers working with legal materials — wood, brass, coconut shell, cotton, silk. Always request a declaration of materials used.

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6. Export Documentation

A complete handicraft export shipment should include:

Document	Purpose
Commercial Invoice	States goods value, HS codes, buyer/seller details
Packing List	Itemises contents, weights, dimensions
Certificate of Origin (COO)	Confirms goods are made in India — enables preferential duty rates
GSP Certificate (Form A)	For EU, Canada, Japan — enables GSP preferential duty rates
Bill of Lading / Airway Bill	Shipping document from carrier
Phytosanitary Certificate	Required for wooden products by many countries (Australia, Japan, etc.)
Insurance Certificate	If CIF Incoterms
Export Declaration (SB)	Shipping Bill filed by exporter at Indian customs

A reliable exporter will provide all required documents without being asked repeatedly.

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7. ISPM-15 — Wood Packaging Treatment

If your order includes wooden packaging materials (pallets, crates), they must comply with ISPM-15 (International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures). This requires heat treatment or fumigation to prevent pests.

This is different from the product itself — but important for countries with strict biosecurity (Australia, USA, EU, Japan).

Reputable Indian exporters use ISPM-15 compliant packaging by default. Always confirm this.

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8. HS Codes for Indian Handicrafts

Correct HS codes are essential for customs clearance. Common ones:

Product	HS Code
Wooden decorative articles	4420
Brass figurines & ornaments	8306
Coconut shell articles	1404 / 4421
Wooden toys	9503
Handmade paper products	4823
Textile handicrafts	Chapter 58–63

Your supplier should declare the correct HS code on the Commercial Invoice. Incorrect HS codes can cause customs delays.

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9. What to Ask Your Supplier

Before placing an order, ask your Indian handicraft supplier:

1. Can you provide your IEC number?
2. Are you GST registered? (Share GSTIN)
3. Are you EPCH-registered?
4. What materials do you use? (Get a written declaration)
5. Do you provide ISPM-15 compliant packaging?
6. Can you provide a Certificate of Origin / GSP Form A?
7. What is the correct HS code for these products?

A supplier who can answer all of these clearly and quickly is a professional operation. Hesitation on any of these is a red flag.

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Working With Vidhiraj Global Impex

Vidhiraj Global Impex is a fully compliant Indian handicraft exporter:

• ✅ IEC registered
• ✅ GST registered
• ✅ EPCH-registered exporter
• ✅ All export documentation prepared in-house
• ✅ ISPM-15 compliant packaging
• ✅ Legally sourced materials (wood, brass, coconut shell)

Contact our export team → or submit an inquiry → for a complete documentation checklist for your country.