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 to goods shipped from India. Before placing an order, confirm the current duty rate for your specific HS code using the EU's TARIC database. Despite the absence of a preferential tariff, India remains a strong China Plus One sourcing option thanks to competitive factory pricing, English-language communication, lower minimum orders, and a deep, diverse manufacturer base.

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

India's strongest export categories for German buyers include bed linen and home textiles, apparel and garments, leather goods, auto components, and home decor and handicrafts. These sectors benefit from generations of manufacturing expertise, large-scale production capacity, and pricing that is often well below European or Chinese alternatives. Sauda can source quotes across any product category, so if your product falls outside these examples, we can still help you find the right factory.

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

Minimum order quantities (MOQs) vary by product and factory, but Indian manufacturers are generally more flexible than their counterparts in other major exporting countries. Many suppliers will accept smaller initial orders to win a new international customer. Samples are standard practice. Sauda negotiates sample terms on your behalf and can arrange for samples to be shipped to Germany before you commit to a full production run.

Question 4

How do I pay an Indian supplier safely?

Accepted Answer

The most common payment methods for Indian exports are bank wire transfer (T/T), letters of credit (L/C), and escrow services. A typical arrangement is 30% upfront and 70% against the bill of lading or upon shipment. Letters of credit offer the strongest protection for larger orders. Sauda helps you understand each supplier's payment terms before you commit, so there are no surprises.

Question 5

How long does shipping from India to Germany take?

Accepted Answer

Sea freight from major Indian ports (such as Nhava Sheva, Chennai, or Mundra) to Hamburg or Bremerhaven typically takes 20 to 30 days depending on the route and carrier. Air freight can arrive in 3 to 5 days for urgent or lightweight shipments. Production lead times vary by product, usually ranging from 2 to 6 weeks. Sauda provides estimated lead times alongside every quote so you can plan your inventory 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 earns from the supplier side, so your interests stay aligned with getting the best price. On verification, Sauda checks every supplier's GST filings and returns before presenting a quote. This confirms the factory is a real, tax-compliant business, not a trading company or shell entity. You submit your requirement, Sauda finds and contacts verified factories, negotiates pricing, and returns the cheapest live quotes within 24 hours.

	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 Germany: A 2026 Buyer's Guide

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