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Handicraft exports from India: A guide on how to export handicrafts
Learn how to start a handicraft export business from India easily with e-commerce and start selling your handicraft products across the world.
India’s handicraft exports reflect the country’s rich artisanal heritage and growing relevance in global home, lifestyle, and décor markets. With strong demand across categories such as woodwares, metal crafts, and embroidered products, handicrafts continue to be an important export opportunity for Indian artisans and MSMEs. This blog explores an overview of India’s handicraft export landscape, key trends shaping global demand, major export markets, and the government schemes and institutions that support handicraft exporters.
Overview and trends of India’s handicraft exports
India’s handicraft exports are growing, powered by growth in new channels for export, such as ecommerce exports. In FY2025, the total exports of handicrafts from India was valued at $3.48 billion, with carpet export being a major contributor to growth numbers. Other major handicraft exports include woollen and crocheted goods, woodware, art metalware, handprinted textiles, incense sticks, and imitation jewellery. Top destinations include the US, Europe, and the Middle East. The US is the top importer of Indian handicrafts, with a share of over 40% of total exports.1
Major exported handicraft items from India
Top export categories for handicrafts exported from India include:
1. Handwoven rugs: The handwoven rugs category includes carpets and floor coverings crafted using traditional weaving techniques. Made from materials such as wool, cotton, silk, and jute, these rugs are valued globally for their durability and aesthetic appeal. India is one of the world’s leading exporters of handwoven rugs.
2. Art metalwares: The art metalwares category consists of figurines and metal artworks that showcase fine art, intricate craftsmanship and exquisite designs in metals like brass, copper and silver.
3. Woodwares: Woodwares are some of the most popular export items. Artifacts and handmade wooden products like spoons, toothbrushes, sunglasses, home décor accessories and kitchen accessories are some of the popular woodwares exported from India.
4. Embroidered and crocheted goods: Embroidered and crocheted goods are intricately designed and popular internationally. Some of the popular products in this category include mirror embroidery, Phulkari embroidery, Kasuti embroidery, Chikan embroidery and patchwork textiles.2
Top countries to export handicraft from India
Some of the top countries that export handicraft products from India are:
3
Government bodies that promote handicraft export from India
Behind India’s thriving handicraft export story are key government organisations working to empower artisans and exporters.
Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT):
Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) is the licensing authority for exporters, importers and export and import businesses in India. It is an official body set up for the formulation and implementation of Foreign Trade Policy. DGFT implements various policies and regulations, grants export licenses to exporters, and introduces trade incentives to improve ease of doing business.4
Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH):
EPCH, established under the Companies Act in 1986–87, is the apex body for promoting India’s handicraft exports. It supports exporters by sharing industry insights, organising trade fairs and delegations, coordinating with government agencies, and conducting training and awareness programs.5
Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts):
This is the government’s nodal agency for artisan- and craft-based activities. It offers assistance for product development, marketing, and export facilitation, while also supporting skill development, design innovation, and welfare initiatives to strengthen the handicraft sector.6
Government schemes that promote handicraft export from India
Government policies, schemes and private sector initiatives play a vital role in the industry’s growth. Below are a few schemes for handicraft exporters:
Remission of Duties and Taxes on Export Products (RoDTEP):
Remission of Duties or Taxes on Export Products, or RoDTEP, was initiated in 2021 to offset the taxes and duties incurred on exported goods. Under this scheme, a refund is provided for all concealed central, state, and local duties, taxes, and levies associated with the goods exported which haven’t been reimbursed through any existing program. This includes not only the exporter’s direct expenses but also the accumulated indirect taxes on goods incurred in earlier stages.7
National Handicraft Development Programme:
The National Handicrafts Development Programme is a central government initiative aimed at strengthening the handicrafts sector and promoting exports through end-to-end support for artisans. It focuses on skill upgradation, design development, technology support, marketing assistance, and financial inclusion to improve productivity, quality, and market access for handicraft producers across India.8
Comprehensive Handicrafts Cluster Development Scheme:
The Comprehensive Handicrafts Cluster Development Scheme supports the holistic development of handicraft clusters by providing common infrastructure, design and technical support, capacity building, and market linkages. By adopting a cluster-based approach, the scheme aims to enhance economies of scale, improve working conditions, and enable artisans and MSMEs to compete more effectively in domestic and international markets.9
Amended Technology Upgradation Fund Scheme (ATUFS):
The Amended Technology Upgradation Fund Scheme (ATUFS) is a flagship Government of India scheme aimed at promoting technology upgradation and modernization in the textile and apparel sector. Launched to replace the earlier TUFS, ATUFS focuses on capital investment by providing capital subsidies on eligible machinery to improve productivity, quality, and competitiveness of Indian textile units.10
Documents required to export handicrafts from India
Documents required to export handicrafts from India include:
Need assistance with export documentation?
Visit Export Navigator, our one-stop export compliance dashboard to view documentation requirements and connect with service providers.
How to start handicrafts export business from India? Step by step guide
Here’s an overview of how you can start exporting handicraft products from India:
Step 1: Set up your business
Set up your business as a sole proprietorship, partnership, LLP, or company. Enroll with Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH) to access key export incentives.
Step 2: Complete market research and identify buyers
Study demand by market. Use export data and ecommerce platforms to identify trending products. Find buyers through trade shows and exhibitions, or through programs like Amazon Global Selling.
Step 3: Obtain product documentation
Obtain IEC, register to obtain GST for your business, and obtain your Registration cum Membership Certificate (RCMC) from APEDA. Also ensure your products are compliant and have the correct HS code.
Step 4: Manage logistics and shipping
Choose a reliable logistics partner and prepare your products for international shipping with export-ready packaging. Understand customs procedures, documentation requirements, and delivery timelines for each target market. Use fulfillment solutions like Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) that streamline cross-border delivery and reduce operational complexity.
How to export handicrafts with Amazon?
Amazon Global Selling is an e-commerce export program that helps local Indian handicraft exporters to sell their products in international markets. Here’s how it works:
Step 1: Register on Amazon Global Selling
Create an Amazon seller account on Seller Central to reach customers across 18+ Amazon global marketplaces. All you need to register is ID proof, address proof, and credit or debit card (international transactions enabled).
Step 2: List your products
Once registered, list your products on Amazon global marketplaces. Use the latest tools and expert support to make your listings more visible to customers.
Step 3: Ship and deliver globally
Choose to manage your own logistics through Merchant Fulfilled Network (MFN) or get expert support from Amazon to store, pack, ship, and deliver internationally with Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA). If you are an FBA seller and opt for Amazon SEND, partnered carriers will handle customs clearance for you.
Step 4: Receive payments and grow your business
Receive payment in INR directly in your bank account and use tools like Brand Registry and Amazon Ads to grow your business.
Conclusion
India’s handicraft sector continues to gain global recognition for its artistry, diversity, and cultural richness. With rising international demand, supportive government schemes, and improved market access, exporters now have greater opportunities to scale their businesses beyond borders. By completing the necessary registrations, staying updated with export policies, choosing the right logistics solutions, and leveraging programs like Amazon Global Selling, small artisans and manufacturers can build successful global brands. With the right preparation and strategic approach, the world truly becomes a marketplace for Indian handicrafts.
Amazon Global Selling: Easy e-commerce exports and hassle-free shipping
If you are a business owner and you want to sell your products to the world, Amazon Global Selling enables you to list and sell ‘Made in India’ products on 18 Amazon global marketplaces. As an e-commerce export program, Amazon Global Selling provides support and guidance at every step of your export journey, connecting you to Amazon’s Service Provider Network for tailored compliance, payments, and logistics support.
Registered sellers can choose to ship their products by themselves through Merchant Fulfilled Network (MFN) or they can opt for Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) and outsource order fulfillment to Amazon including packing, storage, delivery, and returns. Amazon Global Selling simplifies the process of international shipping to the world, helping businesses navigate customs and reach a vast audience.
Registered sellers can choose to ship their products by themselves through Merchant Fulfilled Network (MFN) or they can opt for Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) and outsource order fulfillment to Amazon including packing, storage, delivery, and returns. Amazon Global Selling simplifies the process of international shipping to the world, helping businesses navigate customs and reach a vast audience.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which country is the largest exporter of handicrafts?
India is the largest exporter of handicrafts and sells top-quality handicraft products to several foreign countries.11
2. How do you get export orders for handicrafts?
Here are some ways through which exporters can get export orders for handicraft:
• Importers and international customers
• Export Promotion Councils
• Export Promotion Organizations
• Chambers & trade associations
• National Centre for Trade Information (NCTI)
• Importers and international customers
• Export Promotion Councils
• Export Promotion Organizations
• Chambers & trade associations
• National Centre for Trade Information (NCTI)
3. Which handicrafts are in demand?
Woodware, embroidered or crocheted goods, miscellaneous, hand-printed textiles, imitation jewellery and art metal wares are some of the popular handicraft products in demand.12
4. Is handicraft exporting business profitable?
Yes, exporting handicrafts from India can be a profitable venture, as global buyers actively seek authentic, handmade products. India’s diverse craft traditions and skilled artisans offer a strong advantage in international markets. That said, profitability is influenced by product quality, pricing, market reach, and strong branding.
Published on August 30, 2022.
Updated on December 18, 2025.
Sources:
1. https://www.ibef.org/exports/handicrafts-industry-india
2. https://www.ibef.org/exports/handicrafts-industry-india
3. https://www.cybex.in/blogs/handicrafts-and-handloom-export-data-2025-preserving-tradition-expanding-trade
4. https://www.dgft.gov.in/CP/?opt=about-dgft
5. https://www.ibef.org/exports/handicrafts-industry-india
6. https://handicrafts.nic.in/
7. https://www.dhl.com/discover/en-in/logistics-advice/logistics-insights/a-complete-guide-to-the-rodtep-scheme
8. https://www.ibef.org/exports/handicrafts-industry-india
9. https://www.ibef.org/exports/handicrafts-industry-india
10. https://cleartax.in/s/amended-technology-upgradation-fund-scheme-atufs
11. https://www.ibef.org/exports/handicrafts-industry-india
12. https://www.ibef.org/exports/handicrafts-industry-india
Updated on December 18, 2025.
Sources:
1. https://www.ibef.org/exports/handicrafts-industry-india
2. https://www.ibef.org/exports/handicrafts-industry-india
3. https://www.cybex.in/blogs/handicrafts-and-handloom-export-data-2025-preserving-tradition-expanding-trade
4. https://www.dgft.gov.in/CP/?opt=about-dgft
5. https://www.ibef.org/exports/handicrafts-industry-india
6. https://handicrafts.nic.in/
7. https://www.dhl.com/discover/en-in/logistics-advice/logistics-insights/a-complete-guide-to-the-rodtep-scheme
8. https://www.ibef.org/exports/handicrafts-industry-india
9. https://www.ibef.org/exports/handicrafts-industry-india
10. https://cleartax.in/s/amended-technology-upgradation-fund-scheme-atufs
11. https://www.ibef.org/exports/handicrafts-industry-india
12. https://www.ibef.org/exports/handicrafts-industry-india
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