Question 1

What is the EU-India free trade agreement and how does it affect Dutch importers?

Accepted Answer

The EU and India concluded a free trade agreement in January 2026, but it is not yet in force. Ratification is expected to take until around 2027, so standard EU import duty still applies to Indian goods today. You should confirm the current duty for your specific HS code before placing an order. The coming agreement is a strong reason to start building relationships with Indian suppliers now, so you are ready to benefit from preferential terms once the deal takes effect.

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

India has a deep and diverse manufacturer base. Some of the strongest export categories for Netherlands buyers include bed linen, apparel, leather goods, home decor and handicrafts, and specialty chemicals. Beyond these, India is a competitive China Plus One sourcing option across many product categories, offering competitive pricing, English-language communication, and relatively smaller minimum orders compared to other manufacturing hubs.

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

Minimum order quantities from Indian factories tend to be lower than those from other major manufacturing countries, making India accessible for small and mid-sized Dutch importers. Many Indian suppliers are willing to produce sample runs or send product samples before you commit to a full order. Sauda can negotiate sample terms on your behalf when requesting quotes, so you can evaluate quality before scaling up.

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 first orders, many buyers use a letter of credit to protect both parties, or agree on a partial advance with the balance paid against shipping documents. Sauda helps you connect with GST-verified factories, which reduces the risk of dealing with unregistered or non-compliant entities. Always agree on payment milestones and keep documentation for every transaction.

Question 5

How long does shipping from India to the Netherlands take?

Accepted Answer

Sea freight from major Indian ports (such as Nhava Sheva, Chennai, or Mundra) to Rotterdam typically takes around three to five weeks depending on the route and carrier. Air freight is significantly faster, usually arriving within a few days, but costs more and is best suited for smaller, high-value shipments or urgent sample orders. Production lead times vary by product and order size, so factor in manufacturing time when planning your timeline.

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

Yes, Sauda is completely free for buyers. You pay nothing at any stage. Sauda acts as your concierge: we find Indian factories that match your requirements, verify each supplier by checking their GST filings and returns to confirm they are real and tax-compliant, then contact and call them on your behalf to negotiate pricing. You receive the cheapest verified live quotes within 24 hours, ready to compare and act on.

	India	China	Vietnam
Import duty	EU MFN today (EU-India FTA concluded Jan 2026, not yet in force)	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 the Netherlands: Your 2026 Buyer's Guide

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