Sourcing a supplier is one part of importing ceramic tableware from India — the other is getting the shipment through customs at your end. This guide covers the importer-side process.
Choosing an incoterm
FOB (Free on Board) and CIF (Cost, Insurance and Freight) are the two most common terms for ceramic tableware shipments. FOB means you arrange and pay for freight from the Indian port; CIF means the supplier arranges freight to your destination port and builds it into the price. Which is better depends on whether you already have a freight forwarder relationship — if you don't, CIF is usually simpler for a first order.
Documentation you'll receive
- Commercial invoice — the value and description of goods for customs.
- Packing list — what's in each carton/pallet, useful for your own receiving check.
- Bill of lading — the shipping document, needed to release the cargo at destination.
- Certificate of origin — confirms the goods were produced in India, sometimes required for preferential duty treatment depending on your country's trade agreements.
What to check with your own customs broker
Import duty rates, HS (Harmonized System) code classification, and any country-specific import restrictions on ceramic tableware are determined by your destination country's customs authority, not by the exporter. It's worth confirming the correct HS code and duty rate with a local customs broker before your first order, so landed cost is accurate from the start.
Receiving the shipment
Once cleared, cargo is typically released to your nominated freight forwarder or trucking company for final delivery. If this is your first import, ask your freight forwarder to walk you through the clearance and delivery process for your specific port.
Working with an export house
An India-based export house — a sourcing and export partner working with production clusters, rather than a single factory — typically handles everything on the India side: quotation, quality control, packaging and export documentation. The customs clearance and delivery process at your end is usually coordinated by your own freight forwarder or customs broker.