Shipping from India to the United Kingdom

The routing decides it, mainly whether the vessel goes via Suez or round the Cape. Transhipment adds another variable. Ask for the routing and transhipment ports before you compare rates, because a rate without them cannot be compared fairly. Our quotes carry both.

Carriers move services between Suez and Cape routings at short notice because of Red Sea conditions. When that happens, the delivery date moves too. We tell you the routing change as soon as the carrier confirms it, so your receiver can adjust the stock plan.

Air makes sense when the deadline decides the outcome, and rarely for planned replenishment. We price air and sea side by side, so the landed cost, everything paid until the goods reach the receiver, makes the argument and not the rush. Split orders, urgent lines by air and the rest by sea, are often worth pricing.

An EORI number starting GB and the correct commodity codes. Without them the shipment can be held. The importer makes the customs declaration or appoints a specialist to do it. We flag both points at booking so nothing is left until the vessel is closed.

Yes, end to end, through our overseas network, on one file with one coordinator. Inland delivery is quoted as its own line, so you see what the last stage costs. Your receiver gets one contact for the whole file, from the Indian port or airport to the final address.

Keep the certificate of origin and the invoice consistent with the HS code on the declaration. The certificate is needed where applicable, and preferential duty may apply where origin rules are met. Your buyer’s customs adviser confirms the rate, and we prepare the Indian side of the papers.

Start with the commodity code, because it sets the duty rate and whether a licence is needed. Your buyer confirms this first. If the product needs cold carriage, ask for temperature-controlled logistics at enquiry so the routing suits it. Tell us the shelf life at enquiry.

Choose by volume: FCL when the container will be well filled, LCL when the lot is small. LCL means sharing a container, so the cargo is handled more at both ends. We price both side by side and you compare the landed result.

Tell us the product and its hazard details at enquiry, because carriers accept hazardous cargo only on their own terms. Routing options narrow with the hazard class, and some services will not take certain classes at all. Our hazardous cargo handling team checks the papers before booking.

Pack for the whole journey, including port handling at both ends, not only the truck ride. Small lots from several makers can travel as one LCL shipment, which keeps the cost per piece sensible. Damage usually starts with weak cartons and loose gaps, so fill the space. Our packaging and unpacking service supports export packing.