Question 1

Is there a free trade agreement between the EU and India?

Accepted Answer

Not yet. The EU and India are actively negotiating a trade agreement, but as of 2026 no FTA is in force. That means standard EU import duties apply when you bring goods from India into France. Before placing an order, confirm the exact duty rate for your product's HS code through the EU TARIC database or with a customs broker. Despite the absence of an FTA, India remains a highly competitive sourcing destination thanks to lower production costs, a deep manufacturing base, and strong China Plus One appeal.

Question 2

What are the best products to import from India to France?

Accepted Answer

India has a vast and diverse manufacturing ecosystem. Some of the strongest export categories for French buyers include apparel, leather goods, home decor and handicrafts, fashion jewellery, and bed linen. Beyond these, India produces everything from industrial components to organic food ingredients. Whatever your product category, Sauda can search India's manufacturer base, verify suppliers through GST filing checks, and return live quotes within 24 hours.

Question 3

What are typical minimum order quantities, and can I get samples first?

Accepted Answer

One of India's advantages over other sourcing countries is flexibility on minimum orders. Many Indian factories accept smaller runs than you would find elsewhere, making India accessible for startups, boutique brands, and first-time importers. Most suppliers are also willing to send samples before a full production order. Sauda negotiates sample terms on your behalf so you can evaluate quality before committing.

Question 4

How do I pay an Indian supplier safely?

Accepted Answer

Common payment methods include bank wire transfers (TT), letters of credit (LC), and escrow services. For a first order, many buyers negotiate a partial advance (typically 30%) with the balance paid against shipping documents or upon inspection. A letter of credit adds a layer of bank-backed security for larger orders. Sauda connects you only with GST-verified factories, which reduces the risk of dealing with unregistered or non-compliant entities.

Question 5

How long does shipping from India to France take?

Accepted Answer

Sea freight from major Indian ports (such as Nhava Sheva, Chennai, or Mundra) to French ports like Le Havre or Marseille typically takes three to five weeks depending on the route and carrier. Air freight can arrive in two to five days for urgent or lightweight shipments. Production lead times vary by product and order size, so factor in manufacturing time on top of transit. Sauda collects lead-time estimates alongside pricing so you can plan accordingly.

Question 6

Is Sauda really free, and how does it verify suppliers?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Sauda is completely free for buyers. You pay nothing at any stage. Sauda acts as your concierge: we search India's manufacturer base, verify each supplier by checking their GST filings and returns to confirm they are real and tax-compliant, then contact and call factories on your behalf to negotiate pricing. Within 24 hours you receive the cheapest verified live quotes, ready for you to compare and act on. Our revenue comes from the supplier side, so the service costs you zero.

	India	China	Vietnam
Import duty	EU MFN (no EU-India FTA yet)	EU MFN tariff	Reduced (EU-Vietnam FTA)
Typical MOQ	Smaller and flexible	Higher, often thousands	Moderate to high
Communication	English-speaking factories	Often via agents or translators	Improving, varies
Lead time	Competitive, varies by category	Fast, mature logistics	Competitive
Best known for	Textiles, leather, chemicals, engineering	Large-scale, electronics, machinery	Apparel and footwear assembly

Importing from India to France: Your 2026 Buyer's Guide

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