How to Import from Surat: The Complete Guide for Overseas Buyers

Surat supplies sarees, salwar suits, kurtis, lehengas and synthetic fabrics to Indian-diaspora stores and ethnic-wear retailers around the world, especially in the UK, the USA, Canada, the Gulf, Africa and South-East Asia. Buying from abroad is very doable, but it works differently from walking into a market on Ring Road. This guide walks overseas buyers through the full process, from finding a supplier to receiving the goods.

The Import Process at a Glance

Step 1: Find a Surat Supplier Who Can Export

Many Surat wholesalers sell only within India. Look for suppliers who already ship abroad, or who work with a merchant exporter. Before you go further, ask for:

• GSTIN and IEC (Import Export Code), the registration every Indian exporter needs.
• Shop or factory address, ideally with a video call from the premises.
• Export references: countries they ship to and the type of buyers they serve.
• Catalogues with fabric details, not just photos.

Browse Surat textile markets by area to shortlist wholesalers, and read our guide to Surat’s saree markets to see which markets match your products.

Step 2: Order Samples First

Samples are the single best protection for an overseas buyer. Order a few pieces by international courier and check the fabric, colour, work, length and finishing against the catalogue photos. Expect to pay for the samples and the courier; many suppliers adjust the sample cost against your first bulk order.

Step 3: Agree Terms on a Proforma Invoice

Before paying, get a proforma invoice that lists every catalogue or design, quantity, unit price, currency, packing, delivery date and the Incoterm:

• EXW (Ex Works): you collect from the supplier’s premises and handle everything else. Only sensible if you have your own agent in India.
• FOB (Free On Board): the supplier delivers the goods cleared for export and loaded at the Indian port; you pay freight and insurance from there. Common for sea shipments.
• CIF or CFR: the supplier also pays sea freight (and insurance for CIF) to your country’s port.
• DAP or DDP: delivered to your address; DDP also includes your import duties. Convenient, but compare the total cost.

Step 4: Payment

• Bank transfer (T/T): the most common method. A typical pattern is an advance with order and the balance before dispatch.
• Letter of credit (LC): safer for large orders, since the bank pays only against shipping documents, but it costs more and takes longer to set up.
• Online and card payments: useful for samples and small orders.

Pay only to a bank account in the supplier’s registered business name, and be suspicious of any last-minute request to pay a different account.

Step 5: Export Documents

Your supplier (or their freight forwarder) prepares the export paperwork. You should receive copies of:

• Commercial invoice: the final invoice showing the value and terms of sale.
• Packing list: contents, weights and dimensions of every carton.
• Shipping bill: the export declaration filed with Indian customs.
• Bill of lading (sea) or air waybill (air): the carrier’s receipt and transport contract.
• Certificate of origin: needed to claim lower duty under a trade agreement, where one applies.

Make sure the product descriptions and HS codes on these documents match what your customs broker will declare.

HS Codes for Common Surat Products

Customs classify goods by HS code. The first six digits are shared worldwide; the digits after that vary by country. These headings are a starting point only:

Unstitched dress materials and sarees are usually classified as fabric by their fibre, while stitched garments fall under the apparel chapters. Confirm the exact code with your customs broker, because the wrong code can mean the wrong duty, delays or penalties.

Step 6: Choose How to Ship

• International courier: best for samples and small orders; fastest door-to-door option, but the most expensive per kilo.
• Air freight: for urgent or high-value festive stock; typically a few days in transit plus clearance.
• Sea freight: cheapest for larger volumes. Surat sits next to Hazira port, and exporters also use the large container ports of Nhava Sheva (Mumbai) and Mundra. Transit takes from about a week to the Gulf to several weeks to Europe and North America, plus port handling and customs time.

Whatever the mode, ask for strong export cartons, polybags for each piece and clear carton markings. Insure the shipment, especially for sea freight.

Step 7: Clear Customs in Your Country

Import duty, VAT or sales tax depend on your country, the HS code and whether a trade agreement applies. A local customs broker can file the import entry, calculate duties and tell you whether you need a certificate of origin. Budget for duty, taxes, broker fees and local delivery when you compare suppliers.

Plan Around Indian Seasons

Surat’s production follows Indian festivals. Order Diwali and Navratri stock early, allow for the annual Diwali closure in the markets, and add your shipping time on top. See our Surat holidays and best months to buy guide to plan your order dates.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Skipping samples and ordering in bulk from photos only.
• Paying a personal account or a new account sent at the last minute.
• Leaving the Incoterm vague, so nobody knows who pays freight or duty.
• Using an HS code without checking it with your own customs broker.
• Ordering festive stock too late for production, the Diwali break and shipping time.

Frequently Asked Questions