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How to ship from India to Europe: A complete guide
Learn how to ship from India to Europe: Costs, transit times, custom documents required to sell your products in Europe.
June 30, 2026 | 12 min read
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India's merchandise exports to Europe reached approximately ₹6.4 lakh crore (US $75.85 billion) in FY 24-25, with the European Union emerging as India's largest bilateral goods trading partner that year.¹ For Indian businesses, that number reflects a real and growing opportunity to reach consumers across markets like Germany, France, and the Netherlands.
But knowing where to sell is only one part of the equation. Shipping from India to Europe at the right cost, within a reliable timeframe, and in full compliance with customs requirements is extremely important for any successful export business.
This article covers the practical side of that process. You'll find a breakdown of shipping modes, cost estimates, transit times, customs documents, and key regulations to export from India to Europe.
But knowing where to sell is only one part of the equation. Shipping from India to Europe at the right cost, within a reliable timeframe, and in full compliance with customs requirements is extremely important for any successful export business.
This article covers the practical side of that process. You'll find a breakdown of shipping modes, cost estimates, transit times, customs documents, and key regulations to export from India to Europe.
Who is involved in shipping from India to Europe?
Navigating the complex process of international shipping from India to Europe involves several key players, such as:
Exporters/senders:
These are the businesses or individuals in India initiating the shipping process. They are responsible for preparing the goods, ensuring proper packaging, and providing accurate documentation.
Importers/receivers in Europe:
Importers are the individuals or businesses in Europe receiving your shipment. They are often responsible for handling import duties, taxes, and compliance with local regulations.
Freight forwarders:
Acting as intermediaries, freight forwarders manage the logistics of international shipping from India. They help choose the right carrier, plan shipping routes, and ensure compliance with regulations. In sea and air freight, they also coordinate with local handling agents at ports and airports who manage the loading, unloading, and storage of your goods.
Shipping carriers:
Shipping carriers are the companies that physically move your goods from India to Europe. They include express courier networks, air freight operators, and ocean shipping lines. The right carrier depends on your shipment size, delivery timeline, budget, and whether you are sending a parcel, pallet, or full container load.
Customs brokers:
Customs brokers handle clearance procedures at both ends of the shipment. They assist in preparing and submitting necessary documents and ensuring compliance with all customs regulations.
Insurance providers:
Shipping to Europe carries risks, including damage, theft, and loss in transit. Insurance providers offer coverage options to protect your goods throughout the journey.
Regulatory bodies:
These include various government agencies in India and Europe responsible for enforcing trade policies, customs regulations, and shipping standards. Compliance with their regulations is mandatory for all shipments.
Step-by-Step: How to ship from India to Europe
Getting your goods from India to Europe follows a clear sequence of steps. Here's a breakdown of the process, from choosing a shipping mode to clearing customs at the destination:
Step 1: Research and select a carrier
The right shipping carrier choice depends on your product type, timeline, and budget. Air freight from India to Europe takes 3-7 days and suits high-value, low-weight goods.2 Rates are quote-based and vary by carrier, route, and season. Contact a freight forwarder for a current quote, as rates on this lane are subject to capacity and fuel fluctuations.
For shipping goods via sea freight from India to Europe, it takes 20-35 days. Sea freight remains the most cost-effective option for bulk cargo.3 FCL and LCL rates are quote-based. Sea route diversions, rising fuel prices, and port congestion can have a huge impact on your total shipping cost. Get quotes from at least two freight forwarders before booking. Express couriers such as DHL, FedEx, Aramex, Delhivery International might deliver in 2-5 days.4
For shipments above 30 kg, the rate can be approximately ₹1500 per kg.5 Add the current fuel surcharge and 18% GST to arrive at the total landed cost.6
For shipping goods via sea freight from India to Europe, it takes 20-35 days. Sea freight remains the most cost-effective option for bulk cargo.3 FCL and LCL rates are quote-based. Sea route diversions, rising fuel prices, and port congestion can have a huge impact on your total shipping cost. Get quotes from at least two freight forwarders before booking. Express couriers such as DHL, FedEx, Aramex, Delhivery International might deliver in 2-5 days.4
For shipments above 30 kg, the rate can be approximately ₹1500 per kg.5 Add the current fuel surcharge and 18% GST to arrive at the total landed cost.6
Step 2: Understand customs requirements
Every shipment entering Europe must comply with the EU's Import Control System 2 (ICS2), fully enforced across all transport modes since September 1, 2025. Your carrier must submit an Entry Summary Declaration (ENS) before departure, including a six-digit HS code and the importer's EU Economic Operators Registration and Identification (EORI) number.7
If you are managing it via a customs broker, they can verify correct Combined Nomenclature (CN) classifications before you ship. These India-to-Europe trade shipping regulations apply across air, sea, and courier shipments, making accurate pre-arrival data submission essential to avoid customs delays, holds, or shipment rejections.
If you are managing it via a customs broker, they can verify correct Combined Nomenclature (CN) classifications before you ship. These India-to-Europe trade shipping regulations apply across air, sea, and courier shipments, making accurate pre-arrival data submission essential to avoid customs delays, holds, or shipment rejections.
Step 3: Prepare customs documents for shipping to Europe
Missing or incorrect documentation is one of the most common causes of delays at EU ports. Prepare the following before your shipment is collected:
● Commercial invoice: Must include the exporter's and importer's details, HS code, declared value, and country of origin.
● Export packing list: The export packing list specifies the contents, dimensions, and gross and net weight of each package.
● Bill of lading (for sea freight) or air waybill (for air freight): Issued by the carrier; serves as the contract of carriage and proof of shipment.
● Certificate of Origin (COO): Certifies where the goods were manufactured. The Certificate of Origin is required by EU customs for tariff assessment.
● IEC (Importer Exporter Code): Issued by DGFT, this is mandatory for all Indian exporters and must appear on all shipping documents.
Depending on your product category, destination country, and mode of transport, you may also need a shipping bill, insurance certificate, phytosanitary certificate, or other trade-specific documents. Your freight forwarder or customs broker will guide you on which other documents you’ll need for your shipment.
● Commercial invoice: Must include the exporter's and importer's details, HS code, declared value, and country of origin.
● Export packing list: The export packing list specifies the contents, dimensions, and gross and net weight of each package.
● Bill of lading (for sea freight) or air waybill (for air freight): Issued by the carrier; serves as the contract of carriage and proof of shipment.
● Certificate of Origin (COO): Certifies where the goods were manufactured. The Certificate of Origin is required by EU customs for tariff assessment.
● IEC (Importer Exporter Code): Issued by DGFT, this is mandatory for all Indian exporters and must appear on all shipping documents.
Depending on your product category, destination country, and mode of transport, you may also need a shipping bill, insurance certificate, phytosanitary certificate, or other trade-specific documents. Your freight forwarder or customs broker will guide you on which other documents you’ll need for your shipment.
Note: Negotiations for the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) were concluded in January 2026. As a part of the arrangements, the EUR.1 movement certificate is expected to apply to India-EU shipments once ratification is complete.8
Pro tip
Compliance requirements for European shipments can be complex. Amazon's Service Provider Network connects you with verified specialists for customs documentation, HS code classification, and clearance support on both ends of your shipment. Learn more here.
Step 4: Pack your goods properly
Packaging for international shipments must meet carrier standards and hold up across long transit times. Use double-walled corrugated cartons for fragile items. Exporters shipping via wooden pallets must ensure that they are heat-treated and ISPM 15-certified for entry into Europe. Label all packages with the shipper's name, consignee address, HS code, and gross and net weight.
Step 5: Arrange pickup or drop-off
Once your documentation and packaging are confirmed, book a pickup with your carrier or deliver goods to the nearest Container Freight Station (CFS) or air cargo terminal. Confirm cut-off times with your freight forwarder at least 48 hours in advance. Missing the cut-off can delay your booking by several days.
Step 6: Insure your shipment
International shipments are exposed to risks including damage, theft, and loss during loading, transit, and unloading. Marine cargo insurance covers both sea and air freight. Many carriers offer basic coverage, but a standalone marine insurance policy provides broader protection. Confirm the scope of coverage and declared value before your shipment departs.
Step 7: Track your shipment
Express carriers like DHL, FedEx, and Aramex provide real-time tracking through their portals and apps. For sea freight, your freight forwarder can share vessel tracking via MarineTraffic or the carrier's portal. If a shipment is held under ICS2 or delayed at a transshipment hub, carriers typically issue a status alert within 24-48 hours.
Did you know?
Shipping to Europe involves multiple compliance and documentation requirements. Amazon Global Selling sellers can simplify this with Amazon SEND, which offers doorstep pickup in India, handles customs clearance, and delivers inventory directly to Amazon fulfillment centers in the UK and Germany.
How much does it cost to ship from India to Europe?
The shipping cost from India to Europe varies based on several key factors. Understanding each one helps you compare carrier quotes accurately and avoid unexpected charges.
Factors affecting shipping cost
● Weight and dimensions: Carriers' bill based on chargeable weight, the higher of actual weight or volumetric weight. The formula is length × width × height (in cm) ÷ volumetric divisor. The divisor differs between shipping companies.9 Bulky, lightweight items are almost always billed at volumetric weight.
● Declared value: This affects insurance premiums and EU customs duty calculations. Understating the declared value is a customs violation.
● Destination country: Zone-based pricing applies. Shipping to Germany, France, or the Netherlands generally costs less than shipping to Hungary or Romania.
● Mode of transport: Air freight, sea freight, and express courier are priced very differently. Air is the most expensive, while sea remains the most economical.
● Fuel surcharges: Fuel surcharges are applied on top of the base rate before 18% GST and change weekly. Always check the carrier's website for the current rate before booking.
Beyond the base rate, the terms of trade, known as Incoterms, i.e., DAP vs. DDP, that you agree on with your buyer also affect your total cost. Under DAP (Delivered at Place), the European buyer handles import clearance and duties. With DDP (Delivered Duty Paid), the Indian exporter covers everything, including destination duties. DDP is standard in e-commerce; DAP suits B2B shipments.
Shipping timelines from India to Europe
These are the estimated shipping timelines from India to Europe based on the mode you select:
Shipping mode
Transit time
Sea freight LCL
25-35 days10
Sea freight FCL (20ft container)
25-35 days11
Air freight (via reseller)
3-7 days12
Express courier (DHL/FedEx/Aramex)
2-3 days13
Import duties and taxes when shipping to Europe
EU customs duties are determined by your product's HS (Harmonized System) code, which assigns the applicable tariff rate. Correctly classifying your goods under the right HS code is critical.
An incorrect code can trigger duty underpayment, shipment holds, or penalties at the destination. Your customs broker can verify the correct classification and ensure all your customs documents for shipping to Europe are complete before you book.
Average EU import duties on Indian goods stand at approximately 3.8%,14 but the rate your specific product attracts depends on how it is classified. On top of customs duty, VAT is charged separately by each destination country. Standard VAT rates across EU member states range from 17% to 27%, with an EU average of approximately 21.7% as of 2025.15
To look up the exact duty rate for your product, use the EU's Access2Markets portal, which lets you search by HS code and country of origin.
An incorrect code can trigger duty underpayment, shipment holds, or penalties at the destination. Your customs broker can verify the correct classification and ensure all your customs documents for shipping to Europe are complete before you book.
Average EU import duties on Indian goods stand at approximately 3.8%,14 but the rate your specific product attracts depends on how it is classified. On top of customs duty, VAT is charged separately by each destination country. Standard VAT rates across EU member states range from 17% to 27%, with an EU average of approximately 21.7% as of 2025.15
To look up the exact duty rate for your product, use the EU's Access2Markets portal, which lets you search by HS code and country of origin.
Did you know?
The India-EU FTA, negotiations for which concluded in January 2026, will eliminate or reduce tariffs on 99.5% of EU tariff lines covering Indian goods. Ratification is expected by early 2027, after which preferential duty rates are expected to apply.
Pro tip
Sellers can also refer to Amazon’s guide on exporting to Europe from India to get a perfect understanding of marketplace entry, logistics, and compliance requirements.
List of prohibited goods when shipping from India to Europe
Before you ship, review the EU's prohibited and restricted items list. Some goods are banned outright. Others require permits, certifications, or compliance with specific shipping regulations before they can enter Europe. The table below covers the main categories.
Prohibited/Restricted item
Reason/Regulation
Live animals
Most live animals, including pets and insects, require health certificates for EU entry. Endangered species need CITES permits under Council Regulation (EC) No 338/97.
Dangerous goods (explosives, flammable liquids, radioactive materials)
Prohibited or restricted. Subject to IATA (air) and IMDG (sea) transport safety regulations.
Weapons and ammunition
Prohibited or restricted depending on the type. Subject to EU arms control rules and national laws at the destination.
Counterfeit goods (fake branded items, pirated software, IP-infringing products)
Prohibited under EU Regulation (EU) No 608/2013 on customs enforcement of intellectual property rights.
Currency above €10,000
Declaration mandatory at EU entry under Regulation (EU) 2018/1672 on cash controls.
Wildlife products (ivory, skins, feathers, specimens of protected species)
Prohibited or restricted under CITES, enforced in the EU via Council Regulation (EC) No 338/97.
Agricultural products (fruits, vegetables, plants) without a phytosanitary certificate
Restricted. Must meet EU Plant Health Regulation (EU) 2016/2031, updated January 2025, including pest-free certification from Directorate of Plant Protection, Quarantine & Storage (DPPQS), India.
Meat, dairy, and animal products from unapproved establishments
Restricted or prohibited under EU food safety rules (Regulation (EU) 2017/625). Products must originate from the EU's approved third-country establishments register.
Chemicals such as PFAS, lead compounds, formaldehyde releasers, and CMR substances
Restricted or prohibited under the EU’s REACH Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006, Annex XVII.
Products that require CE marking but don't have it (electronics, machinery, toys, medical devices)
Prohibited from EU market entry. CE marking certifies compliance with EU safety, health, and environmental standards.16
Restrictions vary by destination country within the EU. Germany, France, and the Netherlands may apply additional national-level rules beyond EU-wide prohibitions. Before shipping, verify the rules applicable to your specific product and destination using the EU Access2Markets portal.
Export from India to Europe with Amazon Global Selling
Amazon Global Selling is an e-commerce export program that lets you list and sell 'Made in India' products on 18 Amazon global marketplaces. Since 2015, the program has enabled Indian exporters to surpass $20 billion in cumulative ecommerce exports.17
At every step of your export journey, Amazon Global Selling provides support across documents and licenses, logistics, payments, and advertising. You have two fulfillment options. With Merchant Fulfilled Network (MFN), you ship orders directly to customers using your own logistics. With Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA), Amazon handles packing, storage, delivery, and returns on your behalf.
For FBA sellers shipping inventory to Europe, Amazon SEND provides a cross-border shipping solution with pre-negotiated carrier rates for moving inventory from India directly to Amazon fulfillment centers in the UK and Germany.
At every step of your export journey, Amazon Global Selling provides support across documents and licenses, logistics, payments, and advertising. You have two fulfillment options. With Merchant Fulfilled Network (MFN), you ship orders directly to customers using your own logistics. With Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA), Amazon handles packing, storage, delivery, and returns on your behalf.
For FBA sellers shipping inventory to Europe, Amazon SEND provides a cross-border shipping solution with pre-negotiated carrier rates for moving inventory from India directly to Amazon fulfillment centers in the UK and Germany.
Conclusion
Shipping from India to Europe is more accessible than ever, but it requires preparation. Choosing the right carrier, getting your customs documents in order, and understanding import duties before your first shipment saves time and avoids costly delays at the destination.
Whether you're moving bulk cargo by sea or fulfilling ecommerce orders through express couriers, the fundamentals stay the same: accurate documentation, correct HS classification, and a reliable logistics partner.
If you're ready to reach customers in Germany, France, the Netherlands, and beyond, register with Amazon Global Selling and get the tools, fulfillment infrastructure, and compliance support to make it happen.
Whether you're moving bulk cargo by sea or fulfilling ecommerce orders through express couriers, the fundamentals stay the same: accurate documentation, correct HS classification, and a reliable logistics partner.
If you're ready to reach customers in Germany, France, the Netherlands, and beyond, register with Amazon Global Selling and get the tools, fulfillment infrastructure, and compliance support to make it happen.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does shipping from India to Europe take?
India to Europe shipping time depends on the destination country and the mode you choose. Express couriers like DHL, FedEx, and Aramex deliver in 2-5 days. Air freight typically takes 3-7 days. Sea freight takes 20-35 days and suits bulk, non-urgent shipments.
Can you courier medicines from India to Europe?
For personal use, most EU countries allow up to a 90-day supply with a valid prescription. Many standard couriers restrict prescription medicines, so verify with your carrier first. Commercial pharmaceutical exports require EU GMP certification and a valid EU Marketing Authorization.
What are the courier charges from India to Europe?
Rates vary by carrier, weight, dimensions, and speed. As a reference, DHL Express starts at approximately ₹4600/kg.18 Standard air freight ranges from ₹220 to ₹330/kg.19 Sea freight LCL starts at approximately ₹6000-₹13,000 per CBM.20 These numbers are estimates and actual rates can vary. Always check the carrier's website for udpated rates and compare quotes from multiple carriers.
What is the cheapest way to send a package from India to Europe?
The cheapest way to ship from India to Europe is usually sea freight for larger or less urgent shipments. For smaller parcels, economy services from courier companies offer lower rates but longer delivery times.
What items can be couriered from India to Europe?
You can ship a parcel from India to Europe if the item is not prohibited or restricted under Indian export rules or European import regulations. Common examples include clothing, handicrafts, books, packaged accessories, and some electronics. It's important to check both Indian export regulations and European import restrictions before shipping.
Do I need an IEC code to ship goods from India to Europe?
Yes. An IEC (Importer Exporter Code) is mandatory for all commercial goods exports from India. It's a 10-digit code issued by DGFT. Without it, customs authorities and shipping companies won't process your export shipment.
What is the import duty on Indian goods entering Europe?
Europe's import duties from India average approximately 3.8%, but vary by product. Once the India-EU FTA enters into force (expected in 2027), duties on most Indian goods will be eliminated or reduced.
Can I ship to multiple European countries in one shipment?
Not in a single customs declaration. A shipment enters the EU through one port and clears customs there. Your freight forwarder can then deconsolidate at a hub like Rotterdam or Hamburg and arrange onward distribution to multiple countries.
How do I calculate the shipping cost from India to Europe?
Start with chargeable weight: the higher of actual weight or volumetric weight (L × W × H in cm ÷ volumetric divisor). Multiply by the carrier's per-kg rate, then add fuel surcharges (~30%) and 18% GST. If you're selling on Amazon, the Revenue Calculator can help you estimate and compare fulfillment costs across different fulfillment options.
Published on February 20, 2024.
Updated on June 30, 2026.
Sources:
1. https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2220413®=3&lang=2
2. https://www.fedex.com/en-in/online/rating.html
3. https://www.cargopeople.com/blog/air-freight-vs-sea-freight-india-cost-time-compliance/
4. https://www.fedex.com/en-in/shipping/services/ship-to-europe.html
5. https://mydhl.express.dhl/content/dam/downloads/in/en/rate-guide/service_and_rate_guide_in_en_2026.pdf.coredownload.pdf
6. https://www.dhl.com/us-en/home/express/products-and-solutions/products-and-services-overview/surcharges.html#fs-step=connectors
7. https://taxation-customs.ec.europa.eu/customs/customs-security/import-control-system-2_en
8. https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_26_184
9. https://www.dhl.com/discover/en-sg/ship-with-dhl/start-shipping/how-to-calculate-dhl-volumetric-weight
10. https://suaidglobal.com/insights/lcl-shipping-rates/
11. https://suaidglobal.com/insights/lcl-shipping-rates/
12. https://internationalshippingcargo.com/fastest-air-sea-freight-india-to-france/
13. https://www.aramex.com/ae/en/services-solutions/express
14. https://www.reuters.com/world/india/details-eu-india-trade-deal-tariffs-quotas-market-access-2026-01-27/
15. https://europa.eu/youreurope/business/taxation/vat/vat-rules-rates/index_en.htm
16. https://www.trade.gov/country-commercial-guides/eu-prohibited-and-restricted-imports-0
17. https://sell.amazon.in/grow-your-business/amazon-global-selling
18. https://mydhl.express.dhl/content/dam/downloads/in/en/rate-guide/service_and_rate_guide_in_en_2026.pdf.coredownload.pdf
19. https://www.cogoport.com/en-IN/knowledge-center/resources/shipping-terms/air-freight-rates-india-mumbai-delhi-shipping-calculator
20. https://suaidglobal.com/insights/lcl-shipping-rates/
Updated on June 30, 2026.
Sources:
1. https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2220413®=3&lang=2
2. https://www.fedex.com/en-in/online/rating.html
3. https://www.cargopeople.com/blog/air-freight-vs-sea-freight-india-cost-time-compliance/
4. https://www.fedex.com/en-in/shipping/services/ship-to-europe.html
5. https://mydhl.express.dhl/content/dam/downloads/in/en/rate-guide/service_and_rate_guide_in_en_2026.pdf.coredownload.pdf
6. https://www.dhl.com/us-en/home/express/products-and-solutions/products-and-services-overview/surcharges.html#fs-step=connectors
7. https://taxation-customs.ec.europa.eu/customs/customs-security/import-control-system-2_en
8. https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_26_184
9. https://www.dhl.com/discover/en-sg/ship-with-dhl/start-shipping/how-to-calculate-dhl-volumetric-weight
10. https://suaidglobal.com/insights/lcl-shipping-rates/
11. https://suaidglobal.com/insights/lcl-shipping-rates/
12. https://internationalshippingcargo.com/fastest-air-sea-freight-india-to-france/
13. https://www.aramex.com/ae/en/services-solutions/express
14. https://www.reuters.com/world/india/details-eu-india-trade-deal-tariffs-quotas-market-access-2026-01-27/
15. https://europa.eu/youreurope/business/taxation/vat/vat-rules-rates/index_en.htm
16. https://www.trade.gov/country-commercial-guides/eu-prohibited-and-restricted-imports-0
17. https://sell.amazon.in/grow-your-business/amazon-global-selling
18. https://mydhl.express.dhl/content/dam/downloads/in/en/rate-guide/service_and_rate_guide_in_en_2026.pdf.coredownload.pdf
19. https://www.cogoport.com/en-IN/knowledge-center/resources/shipping-terms/air-freight-rates-india-mumbai-delhi-shipping-calculator
20. https://suaidglobal.com/insights/lcl-shipping-rates/
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