Since 15 July 2026, UK importers can bring ceramic and porcelain tiles in from India at 0% customs duty, provided the goods qualify under the new UK–India trade agreement. This guide is for UK distributors, merchants, contractors and project buyers who want to know what changed, how to claim the preference, and what to check before ordering from a Morbi factory.

What changed on 15 July 2026

The UK–India Free Trade Agreement, formally the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), entered into force on 15 July 2026. (Business.gov.uk, Tariffs and customs for imports from and exports to India)

For tiles, the effect is simple. The UK Integrated Online Tariff lists a 4% third-country duty on ceramic tiles under commodity codes 6907 21 00 00, 6907 22 00 00 and 6907 23 00 00, and on finishing ceramics under 6907 40 00 00. For goods originating in India, each of these codes now carries a 0% tariff preference, effective 15 July 2026. (UK Integrated Online Tariff, commodity 6907 21 00 00)

Porcelain and glazed vitrified tiles with water absorption not exceeding 0.5% fall under 6907 21. Tiles above 0.5% and up to 10% fall under 6907 22, and those above 10% under 6907 23.

When we checked the tariff on 19 October 2026, anti-dumping duty on these tile codes was listed for goods from China but not for goods from India. Import VAT still applies at the point of import, at the UK standard rate of 20%. (GOV.UK, VAT rates)

Where the UK sits in India’s tile trade

The UK is already one of India’s most important tile markets, and one of its highest-value ones. In April–July 2026, the UK was India’s third-largest tile destination by value at ₹321 crore and 4.1 million square metres. Its average realisation of ₹788 per square metre was the highest of India’s top 20 markets, which tells you UK buyers are taking better-quality, higher-value product than most. UK value was down 15.7% on a year earlier, a smaller fall than India’s overall 33.8% drop. In FY26 (April 2025 to March 2026), India shipped ₹978 crore and 16.3 million square metres of tiles to the UK. (CeramicPost, India Ceramic Tile Exports: Monthly Data, from DGCI&S)

How to claim the 0% rate

The tariff preference is not automatic. The goods must meet the agreement’s rules of origin, which in plain terms means they must be wholly obtained in India, made entirely from originating materials, or meet the product-specific rule for their code. (UK–India CETA Chapter 3: Rules of Origin)

According to UK government guidance, UK importers can claim preference on goods from India based on one of the following:

• a self-certified origin declaration
• a certificate of origin from an issuing authority in India
• importer’s knowledge, where the importer holds enough evidence, including documentation, to show the goods originate (in this case the importer, not the exporter, is responsible for backing up the claim)

Incorrect claims can lead to delays, penalties or loss of preference, so agree with your supplier before production which proof of origin they will provide. (Business.gov.uk, UK imports from India)

Buyer tip: Make sure the commodity code, product description and water absorption class on the commercial invoice, packing list and origin document all match. A mismatch is the fastest way to lose the 0% rate at the border.

Product compliance: CE or UKCA marking

Ceramic tiles are construction products, and the harmonised standard for them is EN 14411. In Great Britain, the UK government confirmed in September 2024 that CE marking will continue to be accepted for construction products, and UKCA marking also remains valid. A CE-marked tile can be supplied to the GB market without reassessment or re-marking, as long as any third-party assessment was done by an EU-recognised notified body. (GOV.UK, Construction Products Regulation in Great Britain; The Tile Association)

Ask your supplier for the Declaration of Performance (DoP) for each series, along with technical data sheets covering water absorption, breaking strength, dimensions and, where your projects need it, slip resistance results.

Freight from India to the UK right now

Freight is the other half of the landed cost. On 16 October 2026, The Loadstar reported that ex-India rates to Europe and the US are trending down as peak season ends, with expectations that recent elevated levels could halve over the next few weeks. (The Loadstar, 16 Oct 2026) Rates still start from a high base, so get a current all-in quote from Mundra or Pipavav to your UK port before you confirm an order.

A practical checklist for UK buyers

1. Confirm the commodity code and water absorption class

Porcelain and GVT normally sit under 6907 21. Ask for test data that supports the classification, so your customs entry and the origin claim rest on the same facts.

2. Agree the proof of origin in the purchase order

State in writing which proof of origin the supplier will provide for each shipment (origin declaration or Indian certificate of origin), and who is responsible if it is rejected.

3. Check CE marking and the Declaration of Performance

Request the DoP and CE marking details for every series you plan to stock, not only for one sample range.

4. Build landed cost properly

Include the FOB factory price, ocean freight and surcharges to your UK port, port and haulage charges, 0% duty for qualifying Indian-origin tiles, and import VAT. Compare this landed figure, not the factory price alone, against European and other Asian offers.

5. Plan shade, calibre and packing for UK distribution

Ask for shade and calibre marking on every carton, strong edge protection, and palletisation that suits your warehouse and onward delivery. Wooden pallets should meet ISPM 15 treatment and marking rules.

6. Match production to sailings

Confirm the production lead time for your sizes and finishes, and book container space against a realistic factory completion date to avoid cancellation and rollover fees.

How Capron Export works with UK buyers

Capron Vitrified is a Morbi-based, ISO and CE certified manufacturer and exporter of vitrified and ceramic tiles, including large-format 600×1200 mm glazed vitrified ranges in glossy, matt and anti-scratch finishes. For UK buyers we prepare export packing and full shipping documentation, and we will agree the proof of origin you need for the UK–India preference before your order goes into production.

Sourcing porcelain tiles for the UK? Contact Capron Export or WhatsApp +91 76220 25593. Share your city or port, target sizes and finishes, monthly volume and whether you need stock ranges or a project lot. We will send a quotation, a sample plan and the technical documents your team needs.

————————————————————

Note: Tariff, origin and compliance rules can change. Confirm the current UK tariff treatment, proof of origin requirements and product marking with your customs broker before you place an order. This guide is general information, not legal or customs advice.

————————————————————